It's kind of strange to wake up to sore muscles for two days in a row when I haven't exercised. Perhaps it's running up and down steps 350 times a day, jury's out on that.
Like many of you I imagine, we spent the weekend putting up Christmas decorations and doing some serious on-line Christmas shopping. I got some absolutely great deals through Ebates.com, what a cool site. Especially for the ridiculously-priced sporting goods stuff that my boys want, it's a real life saver.
Christmas giving is going to be pared down this year for us. The kids tell us that we say that every year, but this year I mean it. With 9 kids to buy for, even if I had all the money in the world, can you imagine all the toys you would be tripping over for months to come?
Actually, I have a file folder and a small notebook to keep track of children's lists and purchases made - that's how confusing it is!
Thanksgiving to Christmas in our home is a blur most years anyway because our wedding anniversary is in there (18 years, thank you!) along with two kid's birthdays, then Christmas!
I would love to hear about what you all are up to in preparation for the holidays! What kind of deals are you finding? Are you cutting back and how? How are you planning to make Christmas more meaningful this year? Talk to me.
Kelly
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Said
Growing up there was more focus on Santa Claus than Jesus even though my mom was a Christian, (my dad was not saved yet). I think they wanted us to have the Christmas they never had, both grew up very poor. So it was always about lots of gifts! When I look back at it we got tons of stuff. So our family we try really hard not to make it about gifts. My kids know that Santa is pretend, we don't put gifts under the tree until the night before. Mainly because I don't want it to be about gifts and too they would be torn apart by the youngest and the cats. :) We also celebrate Advent. My husband and I grew up in Pentecostal churches and this was not celebrated, but as adults we do this because it helps us focus on the coming of Christ and what the season is really about. So we light the candles each night at dinner and do a devotion/scripture reading and sing Christmas carols with just the candle lights and Christmas tree light on. The girls really look forward to it and I seem to cry every night. Not sure why. Just the realization of what Christ has done for us and the hope that my children will realize that I guess. I'm crying as I type this. :) We also give to our neighbors, usually home baked goods. I feel it's so important to reach out to our neighbors and Christmas is just another opportunity to do that. Our girls get gifts and are spoiled by the grandparents and us but the focus is Christ and the one who gave us the best gift of all.