The True Christmas - Name Above All Names

Yesterday I was driving home after picking up a few things I needed to make a dish for a Christmas dinner we're attending tonight! And traffic back from the store was twice as long and miserable, with the long wait of red brake lights. Driving does not bring out the best in me, but before I hurled my attitude down, this song came on the radio. Listening to it gave me goosebumps when the song I recognized began to change to different languages. For me, this is Christmas. There would be no joy, no hope, no love without this glorious gift. If you have a few minutes, watch this video of the song I heard.
What is Christmas to you?

Are you finished Christmas shopping?!?

I was listening to the radio the other day, and they mentioned that the average American spends $700 per family member at Christmas. I was shocked because I spend less than $100 per family member, some times even closer to $20 -- the most extravagant was getting my husband a laptop (which I'm currently using -- hee hee) several years ago.

In conversation today, I met a lady who must be the average American. She mentioned that her father was giving her $350 to spend on each child. In addition to that, she was spending $250 on each child, and her partner was spending $200 on each child. As graciously as possible, I asked if she had considered setting some of that money aside for college since a 4-year-old really doesn't need $800 worth of toys, but she somehow dismissed that idea. I'm still somewhat in shock, and honestly saddened that Christmas has been cheapened to spending dollars, some of which could be put to better use like paying down debts or saving for the future. What good will all the extravagant toys do when the family has no emergency fund? Anyway, this lady is still happily doing her shopping. And I'm happily done with my shopping!

How about you? Are you still shopping? Honestly, what kind of budget do you have for presents?

By the way, if you're still shopping, I have a quick giveaway for $50 from BluePay, which provides non-profit credit card processing.


Photo Credit: Image: Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

A Real Merry Christmas?

I used to annoy my husband by wanting to put the Christmas tree up before Thanksgiving and leave it up past the New Year, but this year, I'm actually excited to get the tree packed away, even though I do think it's lovely. I think having a very active toddler has curbed my unbridled energy to plan for festivities, and that has bothered me some. But I reflected on some thoughts our pastor presented this past Sunday, about how the first Christmas was not simply happiness and celebrations. For the shepherds, it was -- they were looked down on by society, and yet were allowed to share in unspeakable joy. For Mary, it was joyful but perhaps also disappointing -- she had her first baby in a barn. For the families in and around Bethlehem, it was painful -- boys aged two and younger were killed because of the jealous insecurity of the king.

Last night I spoke with an extended family member whose Christmas is painful because they're still grieving the loss of her father. It does make Christmas and its celebrations a bit more complicated -- perhaps it leaves more hope and anticipation for a second coming.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Cards!

I look forward to sending out Christmas cards, getting in line at the post office a few days after Thanksgiving to get my Christmas stamps and get those cards out to friends -- I get a kick out of people who think I'm crazy to have those completed early! The past few years have been really exciting with our little one, and I've enjoyed personalizing those cards and letters!

A few ideas:

1. Include photos taken all year long.
I usually tend to pick out those that show our best sides and ones that definitely are worth sharing, and it doesn't matter if they aren't professionally done but simply capture who we are! =)

2. Incorporate a short letter or update.
Unfortunately I only keep in contact with some people through Christmas cards -- perhaps this should be a New Year's Resolution, to be a better friend! But I do like to get everyone up-to-date with our family.

3. Print my own.
Often I can find excellent deals online (and I hope this year will be the same, and know that I'll be sharing it here too!). But I've also printed my own on both photo paper and also plain paper. I've used Microsoft templates before, but I've also cut and pasted to make my own!

4. Use digital services.
In years past, I've used Snapfish, Shutterfly, and others; I believe you can also utilize services at Walgreens, Sams, and other retails stores too. But those are always fun, and you're sure to get a good product. Another (new -- to me!) company to consider is Purple Trail for your personalized holiday cards.

5. Write a short note to the recipient and sign the card.
Even with pre-printed cards, notes, or newsletters, I like to add that last bit of personalization by hand writing the recipient's name, adding a short postscript, and then signing my name. Just a small way to let them know that I took some time to reconnect and do send BEST wishes.

6. Create your own stamps!
I found a great deal last year and put a picture of our little one on the stamp! Needless to say, that was a HUGE hit with the family -- some even cut the stamp off to display too!

Ah, I'm so excited now! The weather's starting to turn cool, and I'm already thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas! (It got really cool and rather dreary last week, and I joked about putting the Christmas tree up -- at least I only have to wait until the day after Thanksgiving!) I'd like to get a few more pictures taken before I start working on my cards; I need a good picture with all of us!

Disclosure: I've been entered to win a gift card and gift code from PurpleTrail.com. See details here.