Queenies Little Kingdom

After surviving what I felt was a serious ME meltdown on Christmas eve….the actual Christmas day went wonderfully.  I would even go so far as to say it was one of my family's best Christmases ever.  I can't pin down any particular reason, just that everyone felt peace and joy.  If you're a member of any family, then you know how persnickity holidays can be and how the stress can cause friction in even the healthiest families.  That's why I'm bragging about this being such a great day.

I can't be the only one to fret over making everyone's holiday special.  Mom's & dad's just want the best for their kids, right?  In years past, I've tried to be very careful as to what I buy as gifts.  The budget always reigns me in (of course) but at Christmas, special items are what my family likes to focus on.  I know families that go crazy at Christmas.  They buy everything their kids can dream of and then have no place to put it once the kid tosses it to the side for the next big thing.  At dinner last night, one of my kids mentioned that exact method and complained about how foolish that parent is to fall into that kind of giving pattern.

Wow, I had no idea that my own kids would see it as over-indulgence!  Back in their younger years….I worried that they would figure out our tight spending budget at gift-giving time and resent us.  Each time we visited friends who over-spent and gave their kids every latest game system and toy…I stressed a little.  Hubby and I were honest with the kids and told them–we can't afford to buy those things. (Hello, dad in seminary…forever)

Looking back, I'm grateful for the ability to stick it out.  While some may say my kids are spoiled (and I won't disagree) I am proud that they don't expect the world (or us) to hand them everything.  They get it and understand….stuff is just stuff.  Getting stuff just paves the way to want more.

I couldn't agree more.

Now there's something to think about, huh?  Are my wants just wants?  Or are they items I could do without?  What is it that you've got your mind set on this year to add to your collection of things?  Do you spend too much on clothes, shoes, toys or trips?  Could you cut back and do something more "helpful" with your money?  

God

Thank you for such a special Christmas with my family.  Your birth here on earth sometimes takes a back seat to gift-giving & activities.  I'm so thankful that you came and that you died for me.  I will forever be in awe.

Amen

What I'm learning:

God knows what we need even when we don’t. He knows where we’re going even when we have no idea.