Scrooge has left the building...!!

Ooooh, it's Christmas time!! And I can't believe there's only 8 more days 'til Christmas! Believe it or not I used to be a sort of Grinch around the Holidays. Not because I didn't love the day itself, or the reason for the season either for that matter.... but because all of the hustle and bustle really stressed me out! I'm sure it didn't help that for almost eight years now I've had a new baby every second or third season, so sleep deprivation is a bit of a kill joy. But over the years our Santa list just got longer and longer...time for a serious re-evaluation!! And not to mention the party scene...I think it was last year that we seemed to have some sort of "celebration" almost every day of the week for like, three weeks straight?! ok ...It only took us ten years but we're finally realizing that, yes, less is more...!

So here we are, Christmas right around the corner, and everyone is healthy and happy! I think the best thing has been the economy. No, seriously. Even though it stinks, especially being in construction, it has forced us to really prioritize! Fortunately we'd decided like, six mos ago, that our gift exchange list was getting nixed...kids in the family only and nothing over $10! . Fantastic. Maybe a small couples take-away but no more. And since we're all broke it has worked out great! White elephant is even cheaper and way more fun... problem solved. Then, with everyone on a budget these days, the parties haven't been too much of an issue. Or maybe I'm just a lot more relaxed so I don't mind the get-togethers so much. In moderation at least. Hmmm. But, all in all, this has been our best Holiday Season yet. Since I was 8 any way...

The other wonderful thing has been that my kiddos are all a little older. We have our own traditions set now and they really look forward to them, so it makes everything that much better. Simple things of course, like making ornaments or baking Christmas cookies. And we still need to get our Starbucks and have Daddy drive us around to look at the lights, but that'll be next week. And with my Dave Ramsey going so well (yes, this cash budget is still awesome!!) we spend more time at home, so that in itself is just plain better for everyone! (Now you know where I get the time to do this whole blog thing!) And of course, need I mention, that this is the first year I am buying real "girl" toys? ... ok, so that is definitely fun too! I've had a blast getting the guns and motorcycles and bugs, but who can resist the princess dresses, tiaras, and My Little Ponies? Yes, this has been a good Holiday Season for me. Which of course means that it has been a good Holiday Season for my whole family. Say it with me, "If Mama ain't happy...ain't nobody happy!". But the bottom line is, that simplifying has actually made Christmas fun again! There will be presents, but not so many that the majority won't even be appreciated. And our time is being spent with our family, not everyone elses...well, for the most part anyway. But most importantly, with all of the "stuff" out of the picture now, we are remembering to emphasize the real reason we have this beautiful Holiday in the first place...the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! The most precious gift of all...!!!