Tis The Season

Hello All Festive Bloggers,

This would be my second try at blogging. So what is my purpose this time around? To share opinions, ideas and information that may be helpful to someone.

Okay, the Holiday season is upon us in FULL force! With bills and kids tugging on our pantlegs telling us every minute what they want Santa to bring them, the feeling of the Holiday season is one of anxiety and feeling overwhelmed. How do I pay insurance and still get tires on my car and presents under the tree? How do I set aside just a bare minimum payment of $30 dollars for my credit card this month? What can I get away with NOT paying and still have something to give my sons at Christmas?

Does this sound familiar? Are we really and truly living the American dream or living beyond our means, edging near a mental breakdown with the Holidays looming before us? What ever happened to the good ol' days when a Christmas Card and an Orange were enough? Why are we trying to kill ourselves, working 50 + hours a week at break neck speed to make sure that this year's Christmas was better than the last? How do we maintain our finances, our sanity and our Christmas spirit?

Being the Christian that I am, I simply remember why we celebrate the Christmas Holiday. For the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Okay, but what about the people who aren't Christians? Who are merely spiritual and are in the same situation of how to afford living through the Holiday Season?

My sons may just have to wait until after the Holiday Season, as much as I hate to do this. What is Christmas if there isn't anything under the tree to give out and unwrap? What about the big gifts that they can go back to school and brag to their friends about? Both of their birthdays are two to three months after the Holidays. If you are one that expect a large tax return, make up for the lack of gifts with this money. If you can't even get that, then do little gifts that add up. Like board games, inexpensive clothes found at thrift shops, or sign up through the Salvation Army as a needy family. There also is Catholic Charities that give generously during the Holiday Season and might help have gifts under the tree.

Or how about just explaining to your children, if they are old enough, the true meaning of Christmas and making it a time to remember by just spending quality time with your friends, family and children. Watch Christmas movies, play games, sing carols. Go for walks to see Holiday Decorations and return to cookies and hot cocoa. Gifts come and go, but the Holiday Season to me is about the love and joy for our Savior and the love we have to share with our friends and family.