OK. Here it is Christmas Time again and I am so not prepared. My grandmother was right when she said that time flies by quicker as you grow older. It seems as if we just finished with New Years!
The economy has put a downturn on spending for many this year and parents are wondering how in the world they are going to keep the lights on and have a Christmas for their family. I found myself being one of those parents. I would be lying if I said that I didn’t worry about it all.
But tonight as I was once again trying to come up with a way to give everyone what they wanted, and pay the bills, it hit me. Now is the time to practice what I preach.
The sermon that I relentlessly preach to my husband contains numerous references to the downfalls of trying to live like the neighbors. I overstate the fact that the type of car you drive does not make you the person you are, and our modest home provides us with the shelter that we need. I would be lying to you if I said I never thought about owning a new car, buying a new home or taking my children on shopping sprees when I felt the urge. It is a part of our nature to want new shiny things and to have others be envious of what we have. But where we all misstep is by taking it to the extreme.
We must find a happy medium between living in excess and living within our means. I am still searching and struggling with this, but refuse to succumb to the materialist ways that eventually lead to downfall.
So this year, I must practice what I preach during the Christmas season. I will buy what I can afford and pay for without credit cards. I will remember that it is better to give that to receive and teach my children that the real meaning of Christmas is not how many presents are under the tree!
Such a good post.
I can tell you that in previous years I have been embarressed at my isters house on christmas morning when i have watched the kids open present after present. Disregarding each one as another one comes along. Not the kids fault i know, after all who doesn’t like opening presents.
But oh do we really need to buy so much. This year i have bourght less and just know i will feel guilty. Where does that guilt come from. But it has to stop. Lets get back to the simpler things in life.
I almost think that this economic downturn isn’t all bad, after all it will make some people think good and hard about what they really need.
Happy Christmas to you all