We could all learn a little something from Linus...

Can we please remember what Christmas is really about??

This year Josh and I don't have a lot of extra money for Christmas. With buying a house and having to buy all new appliances for it...it's been adding up quick. At first, I was bummed. I love to buy presents for people! I buy stuff for people all year round...I just like the feeling of giving gifts, I like making people smile. I guess that is my 'love language' if you are familiar with that idea. So when Josh said we needed to start buckling down and saving as many extra pennies as we could for closing costs and whatnot, it kind of put me in a non-Christmasy funk. (But we have saved a lot money in just one month - yay us!)

Plus, between packing everything and moving right before Christmas, we are not decorating for Christmas this year. I think I might have been a little bit bitter about the whole thing. Seeing people outside decorating and talking about their Christmas decorations, and then hearing them talk about their Black Friday adventures and the steals and deals they got, and people talking about what they are getting for everyone and their brother...it is safe to say that I was maybe a little bit jealous. I wanted to be in on spreading the Christmas cheer...but I just wasn't feeling it.

(And while we're talking about Christmas cheer...where is it?? Go in any store and you'll be pushed, shoved, cut in front of, and rudely spoken to by angry shoppers in a hurry to get their shopping over with. If gift-giving is supposed to be so merry, where are all their smiles?? Cheer up people!!)

But then I thought, wait a minute, what's wrong with you Stephanie?! Christmas isn't about the decorations, or the Christmas tree, or gift-giving, or even about gifts at all. And I started noticing in all the commercials and ads just how self-centered people have made Christmas out to be, and it really made me angry. 

"It's all about ME." 

"What are you going to get ME???" 

"I better talk to Great Aunt Betty who I only see once a year and let her know what is on my Christmas list...I don't want another itchy sweater." 

"How much money will you spend on ME?? If you don't get me something nice enough/expensive enough, you obviously don't love me all that much..."

NO! What is wrong with people? Christmas is about the gift of God's Son. Christmas is about the miracle of the virgin Mary bringing a baby into the world, to save us. Christmas is about love, and spending time with family and friends, and remembering the true reason for the season. Jesus. Jesus is the reason for the season.

No, I am not boycotting Christmas. We are still buying gifts, but we are scaling the amount we are spending on presents way down, and cutting the list to just family. I will still ohh and ahh over pretty Christmas lights and decorations. I am simply trying to point out that Christmas has become way too commercialized, and I for one, am sick of it. Maybe it's because this year our circumstances have changed, and we're more than just a 20 minute drive away from anyone, but I am much more looking forward to seeing my family and spending time with them since I don't get to see them all the time anymore, than getting any gifts. Besides, I don't really need anything...I am way more than blessed with what I already have. 

If you feel so inclined to purchase something this Christmas, might I suggest making a donation to a charity, or sponsoring a child, or grabbing an ornament off an Angel tree in your area and helping a family in need, who rely on those generous gifts to provide everyday basic needs (such as clothes, gloves, hats, and underwear) for their children because they cannot afford it on their own.

God gave us His Son...fully knowing that he would be crucified one day...what more could we possibly ask for, expect, or require from anyone else??

"An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 

-- Luke 2:9-14 --

Merry CHRISTmas!