Historically, the Mister and I tended to shop lavishly for one another at Christmas, even if things were lean the rest of the year. Not so much expensive things, but useful, funny, or cool presents, and plenty of them. We wont talk about how many gifts our kid got back in the day, when we had more income than sense, and hed have been happy with one toy and a roll of wrapping paper. Well, this year has gone beyond lean right to skeletal, so we nixed buying much of anything for each other. All my Etsy money goes toward The Boys modest (except for that dratted XBox One, which Santa simply doesnt have enough magic to swing, what with all the other kids in the world) Christmas list, currently on layaway. Still, I cant let the holiday pass without a few little gifts from me, so a special Santa for Husband and Boy is planned, along with matching fleece pajama pants for all of us, sewn by me with fleece I have. Ornaments from the flea market, or made out of bits and bobs from my *cough* extensive craft supplies collection. Homemade toffee. Body wash I make as well. One or two hand poured candles (I did say extensive). Things Ive given before, but oddly, rarely to my own family. It feels warmer. More than just a nice thing to unwrap. I set up my decorations just so, finding them new homes in their new house. In the distance, the bells in the tower of the old church on the hill have started chiming Christmas carols on the 7:00 hour. Theres heat, hot water, food, lights. Warm clothes and beds. My animals are well fed enough to be picky, demanding favorite treats. In a strange but ever more lovely way, its freeing to have less money to spend. Its slower. More thoughtful and deliberate. Dont get me wrong, I love nice stuff as much as the next girl, but I have been feeling like a lesson was slipped softly to me this year. I didnt pay it much mind at first, if Im being honest, instead feeling kind of crabby and depressed at our circumstances However, as I unwrapped and set up the Nativity, carefully hiding the baby until Christmas Eve, like we do every year, I smiled, because I suddenly knew what the lesson was, and finally, finally, could appreciate it. O hear the angel voices, indeed.
Posted on: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 00:45:05 +0000
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