Gifts

Earlier this year Carl took a huge cut in pay.  We are blessed, he still has a job.  We are blessed to have all that we need (which is separate from all that we want). There has been a fair amount of scaling back, and, this season, that includes Christmas giving. 

The materialistic messages are hard to shut out.  I had to turn off the tv, keep the music commercial free, and stay away from the stores unless we were out of toothpaste or something.  I've mostly been at home, smiling at my 10 year old faux Christmas tree who's middle string of lights have quit working. Togetherness, sacrificial love, health, the warmth of a place to call home- those are things that matter.

I stumbled upon this little story at the library a few days ago.  I intended it to be for the kids, but as I read it, I realized it was more for me.  I read it again tonight, this time to Carl.

After reading it, we promised (really promised) not to buy for each other this year and sat closer in the chair that we shared.  You know what?  I have a feeling that this might just be one of the best Christmases yet.  You can read it here.