Keeping Christmas Simple

Since Trevor and I've been married, for the most part we've kept Christmas present giving simple. As we started out, 12 Christmases ago, we agreed we would stay within a budget and purchase gifts that we could afford. Some years we didn't get each other anything, some years we bought a together gift of something needed or just bought for stockings, and then there have been a few years where we did purchase gifts for each other. Even our first year together, we decided not to buy gifts but that we would make something for the other. That's when I discovered my husband's talent in carpentry. This was my gift!!

That Christmas was so sweet and special.

For the most part, we've done really well sticking to a budget. We always wanted to make sure we had some funds to buy presents for family. Over the years, especially our second Christmas, money was extremely tight. We were both seminary students and had moved to New Orleans. As I love to give and enjoy picking out presents for others, I had to learn to be creative in order to stay in a budget. That particular year, we combined gifts for couples in our family. Over the years, as I've really learned who God made with my likes and dislikes, I realized how much homeade gifts mean to me and how I enjoy making gifts. I guess I'm kind of old- fashioned. I think how our society over indulges themselves and sometimes I wish I lived in a more simpler time period where "stuff" really was not the focus. So, since God placed me in this place and time, I'm gonna try to keep my home focused on keeping Christmas simple and to adopt traditions and gift giving that glorifies God. - Not the way our world abuses it today!

I also attribute this to my upbringing. My parents were always thinking of others and lived it out in front of me. Every Christmas Eve for most of my childhood and until I was in college, my parents invited a couple from our church to eat Christmas Eve dinner with us. This couple did not have children and didn't have any family close by. My brother and I kind of adopted them as grandparents and always looked forward to spending Christmas Eve with them. I have so many wonderful memories of them, who've both gone on the be with the Lord.

Another year, as a family, we went and bought a Christmas tree, some decorations, and groceries for a family who faced financial difficulties and who were in great need. When we went to deliver the "goodies", no one was home. So, we left the items on their porch. I can remember being so excited. We weren't able to see their expression but what an impact that made on my life!

Another year we delivered presents to a family with young children who were not able to afford gifts. I could go on and on. An important part of this that impacted my life is that we would pray for and with the families.

So as an adult, I want to continue looking for opportunities to bless, encourage,and be the hands and feet of Christ.- Not only at Christmas, but throughout the year.

Christmas is in the air

Well, the countdown is on.... Thanksgiving is over and I can officially play Christmas music in my house. Yes, I married to a man who does not want to listen to Christmas music or watch Christmas movies until after Thanksgiving. I totally understand that Thanksgiving needs to be celebrated first but I think why not enjoy Thanksgiving while listening to Christmas music... heehee! But I must confess that I have secretly been listening to it for several weeks now!!
Well, we had a great Thanksgiving and I really enjoyed being with family. Especially my niece and nephew of whom I don't get to see enough of....

                                                  

Oh, yeah, I promised a picture of the pumpkin roll- although it's half-eaten!!

We had a really fun day filled with love and memories! 

Now, it's on to Christmas... Trevor and I usually decorate the house and tree the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year since we were away with my family we decorated Saturday and Sunday. I love decorating for Christmas... it brings back so many memories of when I was child and how much fun it was to decorate with my family - So thankful for so many wonderful family memories as a child. 

Of course, since I've been married, I've kept some of the traditions from my childhood but Trevor and I have made some new ones as well. A few years back, friends of ours introduced us to "themed" trees. They had several trees in their house and all were decorated with a theme. We thought it was pretty cool so we started the tradition. Every year since 2004, we have had a themed Christmas tree. Our first themed tree was a candy tree. Of course, I've taken pictures every year and I scrapbook the memories. It's so fun to look back and see all the different trees and ideas we've had.  Well, this year we've struggled with ideas. So, I'm just going for a primitive looking tree. 

Ok, the picture is not the greatest... (Dear Santa, I need a camera for Christmas!) but I bought fabric and cut strips and tied them to the tree. I also bought some little brown stars from here and used them as ornaments. It's still a work in progress. I took an afghan that my mom had made and wrapped it around the bottom as a tree skirt. I think it turned out cute but I love primitive decorating so this is right up my alley!!

                                    My tea cup tree in the kitchen.

And yes, you are seeing correctly! One of my wise men has been be-headed... eek! I use to leave the whole set out all year but one summer about three years ago, I bumped knocked over the table I had set it on and I had decapitated one of my wise men. So sad... So since then, I only leave out Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus year round and of course the "special" wise man gets to set out as well. Trevor hot glued his head back on but I was moving him and picked him up by his head.... not very smart!!! So now he's headless again! 

 8 days until my Christmas break begins and 19 days left to Christmas... I'm choosing to bask in God's love, enjoy the blessings He gives me everyday, and take each day as a celebration and an opportunity to share what God has done through His son Jesus and what He is doing in my life.