Saturday, December 24, 2011

The holidays are so magical when you have children!

Allison, who is only 2, knows very, very little about what the heck is going on.  If you ask her who is coming, she will say "Santa!"  If you ask her what he is bringing, she says "toys!"  ....but that is pretty much it. 

Ethan, who is 7, believes in Santa with his WHOLE heart, and it is just the most precious thing, because I am assuming it will likely be his last year truly believing.  He may believe next year, too, but that grain of doubt will likely be there.

I'm not going to lie.  As I did my Santa duties, I looked back and thought, "Eek!  I kinda, sorta, most definitely went overboard this year."  Part of me feels a bit ashamed, as that money could have gone elsewhere, and Lord only knows, this 800 square foot house is already bursting at the seams!  But then the other part of me just enjoys this so much, it's just plan EXCITING!  I love having children to celebrate and I will love every second of seeing their faces in the morning and seeing their excitement as they open their gifts.

Next year, for 2012, Jay and I have been touching on doing a budget.  I hate the word budget.  It makes my skin crawl, because it sounds so...restricting.  So in my money-hungry head, I am looking at it not as budgeting, but more about doing BETTER things with my money. 

I hope all of my lovely friends and family have a wonderful holiday full of peace and love.  Remember it's not about the gifts you receive, but the gifts you give, and that doesn't mean material gifts.

Love lots.  Be patient and respectful.  Don't judge or speak in anger.  Be the same person you are in public and around others as you are when you are alone.  Appreciate every day, every breath, because nothing is ever guaranteed.

1 comment:

Kelsey said...

Merry Christmas to you, Jay and the kids! Hope you guys had a wonderful holiday :)