Slimming Down

We've never had elaborate Christmas. And my parents never went into debt over Christmas too. Over the past few years I've always had "debt free" Christmas's. Nothing put on the credit card, everything paid with cash.

People are still losing their jobs and many still don't have work or make enough to survive. I read in my local newspaper recently about two factories closing in my city. A comment form a worker who lost his job was "It won't be a fancy Christmas"

Do we need a fancy Christmas? A friend from the gym said to me last year, he went to his kids in August and said, "Name me 5 things you got for Christmas last year" The kids couldn't remember 1. A friend last year said the kids got one gift, and that was it. The nieces and nephews got the things they needed. Groceries, gift certificates to clothing stores money for school supplies.

I watched an episode of "Little House on the Prairie" Christmas gifts were "mittens" and "pennies" a far cry from what is given today. What amazed me is how the kids reacted to get that "penny" it was like getting gold!

If you are able to "You Tube" The Little House" Christmas episodes, and I think there are 3, they are worth a look. Christmas to me isn't about the price tag. Its about the thought, the friendships and realising how blessed I really am....now ask me how blessed I am after I brave the stores tomorrow! LOL.