Christmas is a lot of fun when you have money. For us, it is a time to reflect and be grateful for the simplest things:
food in our hungry bellies,
socks and a cuddly blanket to keep us warm in our cold, cold house,
a cold, cold house, to keep us dry and safe,
I have always been in awe of the miracle of running water,
miraculous bodies,
cars that move without sweat, blood, or tears,
books to fall in,
the light and joy of learning,
an exquisite marriage,
fleeting, precious childhood,
tiny, pudgy hugs
the gift to know truth,
learning to love,
the ability to change,
forgiveness,
faith,
peace.
We have never had big Christmas mornings. I'll be surprised if Santa comes this year. In spite of our frustrations with sales numbers, economic downturns, and mortgages, the Lord finds ways to prosper us. I'm okay with the trade off.
The children have a heightened awareness about them. They have been grateful for the things they need and are careful not to be selfish.
I overheard Ethan talking to a friend yesterday. His friend was talking about something he wanted for Christmas. Ethan responded, "I think I would be happy to give my present to someone who doesn't have one." His friend stopped, surprised, and said, "Wow, that's really nice!"
I had to agree. My sweet little boy IS really nice.
socks and a cuddly blanket to keep us warm in our cold, cold house,
a cold, cold house, to keep us dry and safe,
I have always been in awe of the miracle of running water,
miraculous bodies,
cars that move without sweat, blood, or tears,
books to fall in,
the light and joy of learning,
an exquisite marriage,
fleeting, precious childhood,
tiny, pudgy hugs
the gift to know truth,
learning to love,
the ability to change,
forgiveness,
faith,
peace.
We have never had big Christmas mornings. I'll be surprised if Santa comes this year. In spite of our frustrations with sales numbers, economic downturns, and mortgages, the Lord finds ways to prosper us. I'm okay with the trade off.
The children have a heightened awareness about them. They have been grateful for the things they need and are careful not to be selfish.
I overheard Ethan talking to a friend yesterday. His friend was talking about something he wanted for Christmas. Ethan responded, "I think I would be happy to give my present to someone who doesn't have one." His friend stopped, surprised, and said, "Wow, that's really nice!"
I had to agree. My sweet little boy IS really nice.
4 comments:
I LOVED, RELATED, LOVED , RELATED, LOVED, RELATED, AND JUST LOVED AND RELATED TO THIS POST SO MUCH. I THINK WE HAVE KINDREDNESS WRITTEN ALL OVER EACH OTHER!!!!
STILL NEED TO RETURN YOUR CONTAINER....CAN I STOP BY TOMORROW?
DO YOU WANT LAVENDAR IN IT OR SUNFLOWER SEEDS? :)
at our house we have three gifts to remind us of the three gifts the christ child received. (i don't tell the children he probably received many , many more than this!) we are all about low key here. santa brings a book and a board game, an orange and a tooth brush. i hate how over commercial this holiday has become. i do love sending christmas cards though...that may be my very favorite part of the chaos!
I love your point of view on so many things. This post was so beautiful and refreshing, I get so overwhelmed each year with the commercialism at Christmastime. We also try to keep it simple. Thank you for being such a great example. You guys are awesome.
You are so right, Laura. Christmas has really become a time to spend money instead of remembering the Savior and what He's given us. Good for you AND Ethan for having it all figured out.
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