This Christmas we are paring down.
1. because we want to
2. because we have to
Last year we pared down a lot. And it was good.
But the Lord has continued to open our eyes to the all ways He has gone before us. And continues to walk alongside us. There is nothing that we need that we don’t already have.
Really, what could a box contain that could compare to having Him?
Beyond spending less, this year we are going out less. Like not. at. all.
None of the usual Christmas festivities or outings, all in an effort to keep our littlest peanut as healthy as possible. 
But – despite limited means and limited mobility – we are still finding ways to celebrate this most special season.
It just looks a whole lot simpler.
We have been turning all screens off between 5PM and 10PM.
Or 5PM and bedtime, whichever comes first.
*ahem*
We have been snuggling on the rug in front of the fireplace to read about Jesus in our Advent for Everyone book.
We have been rolling out sleeping bags around the Christmas tree and breaking our *no-screens* rule to watch Christmas specials on TV.
(Gotta have grace, baby.)
And we have been baking Christmas cookies.
Even better than baking them, we have been eating Christmas cookies. Lots of them.
It might be just a simple thing.
But I am finding more and more that simple sure can be sweet.
I’m not going to lie, I have found myself squirming a few times over not being able to buy as much as I might want to for my kids this year.
My knee-jerk response to having to spend less is that somehow our kids will be disappointed. That they’ll feel like they missed out, somehow.
I mean, what mama doesn’t want to give their kid every gift on their Christmas list?
But then I look around. And He reminds me.
And I need to be reminded. Day by day. Minute by minute. The allure of this world is strong stuff and without Him I am without hope.
My prayer for my family this Christmas is that the Lord will be gracious to continuously open our eyes to see Him. All around us.
And that, in our heart of hearts, we would treasure Him above all.
“You make known to me the path of life;
in Your presence there is fullness of joy;
at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” — Psalm 16:11
Beautiful post, my dear friend! Love your heart, love your family.
I love this!
Love it! I’ve been simplifying things this year after HAVING to do so last year (when Mei Mei was recovering from major surgery) and I enjoyed it so much that I just decided to keep trying to do so. Smaller budget per kid, only baking when and if I want to or have time to, sharing the load with the older kids while The Boss is working out of town every week, etc. We have a ways to go but I figure if I do it gradually, they won’t feel it keenly and won’t know they are missing anything 🙂
Jude’s cookies look just like my M’s would! Lovely words of truth!
our culture is so obsessed with STUFF these days. I think it’s great that you are teaching your kiddos that stuff is just…stuff. Family and good health are the most important things. Joy comes from the doing things together! Christmas cookies and sleeping bags and christmas specials. That is where memories are made. Stuff is just more clutter. And the best present of all is a baby sister who is getting her health back more and more every day. I’m sure your babies will have full and happy hearts this Christmas b/c they are loved beyond measure and they have a home filled with siblings and pets and a mommy and daddy who love and adore them. God bless you and your wonderful family this Christmas season and in the coming year! xoxo
Beautiful post! I love your heart and your honesty!
I wholeheartedly agree, simple is better.
We have pared down each year as well and
Our kiddos as well have handled it with grace because
We have encouraged them and reminded them
How blessed we are! Thank you for writing from your heart and sharing truth!
Such a beautiful post! Your kids’ faces are so full of joy! Who needs tons of presents when you have sugar cookies and Christmas specials!
Thank you for this challenging post. I am squirming a little this year too….trying with all my might to keep my eyes on Jesus.
Awww! And who needs giant piles of presents when you have cookies and hugs?!
No squirming here. I read several years ago about families teaching their kids that Jesus got three gift when he was born and they stuck to a three gift rule. I really liked that and leaned that way, too. Last year we did it and Christmas was just as wonderful. This year, we needed a few more things to account for girls that are growing up, so all the things got put off for the last several months and were recently given for birthdays and now for Christmas. Some are big items, like bicycles, because the girls got so tall this year and out-grew theirs, but one bike came new for a special 16th birthday and another bike, equally nice but pre-owned, and costing very little, is coming for another and will be under the tree. Some items are small, like new toothbrushes. One toy is older, coming from an online auction site, because it’s got small parts that are perfect for occupational therapy. It will be fun, but also do an important job. It just won’t be brand spanking new and adding revenue to an enormous company.
You’ve got it right, dear sister. It’s the EXPERIENCES more than the gifts that our kids will cherish and remember and your children look so happy baking and eating those cookies. Even your dog looks happy! And I can’t remember anything more fun at Christmas time than rolling out my sleeping bag under the tree and watching Rudolf and Frosty come to life on those TV specials.
I’m thinking there was no Xbox is the manger so hoir simplified Christmas should be an example for others to follow. I love baking cookies and making homemade gifts from the heart. Seems your family received the best gift this year in the newest member of the family.