We had our most meager Christmas this year, but as I reflect on the holidays, I have no regrets for cutting back. Did I cry a few weeks before Christmas when I thought we couldn’t get the kids any presents? yes. Was I being dramatic? yes. Um, I do write for a blog that provides toys and products year round that our kids get to enjoy! They have lots of family that give them very generous gifts too.

While God did provide some unexpected funds (settlement checks from a job YEARS ago that we had no clue we were owed) I didn’t need to be so worried about making Christmas special for the kids. Our stockings were so light we could hang them this year, but they loved getting a whole bag of marshmallows, new tooth brushes, etc.  My husband and I didn’t exchange gifts, but if you are a parent you know that watching your family have a wonderful Christmas day is the greatest joy. My mommy heart was at ease when it was all said and done. We had a really nice Christmas together.

48 weeks til Christmas

I  have to have a strategy for Christmas shopping to make ends meet. I buy gifts all year for our family and friends. I have a “gift cabinet” that holds all the clearance finds or sentimental gifts I stumble on. We have such a large family that I have to keep a notebook to write down what gift is for who. HERE is a gift I do a lot…a pretty kitchen towel and hand soap. Now you will be grabbing towels and soap when they are on sale.

This is how we prioritize Christmas. The focus is on Jesus. We try not to get too caught up in the busyness of Christmas and we celebrate the birth of Christ in our home. It’s my favorite time of year.

We buy gifts for others first. We can’t even begin to out-give the many generous people in our lives, but we do the best to buy gifts within our means with as much meaning as possible. It really is better to give then receive. However, let’s be real, it’s fun to receive too. 🙂

We save ourselves for last. That’s why we got in a pickle this year and didn’t have the budget we had hoped for to buy our kids gifts. The other part is that kids change their minds every other commercial about the toy they want for Christmas. We were still trying to figure out what they wanted.

HERE was our Christmas morning. The kids were thrilled with their Razor Scooter, Baby Stroller, and Fisher-Price Trike. We prepped them that they wouldn’t have mountains of gifts, but we assured them they were getting something they really wanted. I was very relieved that they had great attitudes and they are young enough that we can continue our scaled back Christmas. It was refreshing and not overwhelming.

We celebrated on the 24th because we had a surprise trip to Michigan planned. About 345 days a year we live in California (close to my husband’s family) but my entire side of the family is in Michigan. We work super hard to save enough to get “home” whenever we can. This year we found a deal to fly on Christmas day and we kept it a secret from my parents and siblings. IT was the best thing ever when we walked in Christmas night. We were barely there for Christmas, but we made it. It was the first time in 5 years to be together on Christmas day. I have to share the video. You would think we haven’t seen each other for years, but it was only 6 months.

I hope your Christmas was merry and bright. I’m so thankful for the Christmas we had, and that we could find JOY in all circumstances. Our hearts are so full when we think about what a beautiful Christmas it was.