Simply Christmas

Another Christmas has come & gone, but this year it was quite different. We decided early on that we were not buying for everyone this year, but would instead focus on the grandchildren and the true meaning of Christmas.  We had no idea what an impact this decision would make on our lives. There’s a lot to be said about simplicity, especially at a time when everyone is in such a frenzy.

Instead of drawing names, or setting a limit on how much to spend per child, parent, grandchild, and in-law, we bought one nice gift for each of our four grandchildren (ages 2-6). That in itself was a HUGE stress remover. Not only did we not have to spend all that money unnecessarily, we also didn’t have to face traffic, surly consumers, or overworked sales people.  Nor were we contributing to the mountains of waste generated each year by this one holiday.

Having recently moved & left all but one box of our Christmas decorations in TN for the (grown) kids to use, we also opted not to buy a Christmas tree – real or fake – and all the required lights & cheap ornaments that go with it. Instead, we bought some very nice decorations from thrift stores and borrowed from my mother-in-law things she wouldn’t be using this year.  We decorated the outside minimally with small pathway lights and lighted “trees” made from upside down tomato cages.

This year it was only AC, myself, and our oldest daughter Kelly at home. Instead of preparing a huge dinner that would end up as leftovers taking up every available spot in the fridge, we opted to go out for Chinese food (a la A Christmas Story), and BOY was it GOOD!  I think we have a new tradition.

Christmas has become a warped thing in America. At a time when we should stop & reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ, the one who came to save us all, we instead get caught up in the hurriedness, the commercialism, and the wish lists, and wind up feeling overwhelmed and stressed out. Instead of being a time of love, peace, hope & joy, it’s a time of hurry, worry, and overspending.

Our home was beautifully decorated, even without a 7 foot tree and loads of packages underneath. Most importantly, we were able to focus on one another, with out minor spats or short tempers. Everyone is relaxed and happy, and our focus is on that Love, Peace, Hope & Joy that Jesus came to bring us all on the original Christmas day.

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!