 Mommy minimalism is all the rage. I've been seeking it out in my own life more intentionally for several months now (more on that soon!). With the holidays upon us, many are proclaiming this is the year they will embrace a simple Christmas! But what do we do when Christmas will be simple... but it wasn't by choice? The Christmas season doesn't bring with it a reprieve from hard things. While the general merriment in the air can lighten hearts, it can also increase the weight of hardships. For some, financial strains seem all the more pressing during this time of gift giving and celebration. Sometimes, a simple Christmas is the only option we have. Just before Thanksgiving, my husband got injured while out hunting. He has been out of work, without pay, ever since. This Friday, he'll be having surgery to remove 2 benign tumors, which will leave him out through the end of the year. By the grace of God, we are making it! But without a doubt, this Chrismas will be a simple one. I want my children to embrace the true meaning of Christmas - celebrating Jesus' birth and experiencing the joys of giving. I think there's so much to be said for focusing on compassion, instead of consumerism and using this time to bring hope to others and glory to Jesus! But if I were to be completely honest, having that choice made for me - taking away our ability to give gifts - was painful for me. You can find creative lists for non-toy gifts - they're full of great ideas that highlight experiences, like memberships and trips. But those things aren't free, so for those facing an unexpectedly simple Christmas, they aren't viable options. So what is a Momma to do? Going into debt isn't an option, and neither is moping through my favorite part of the year. So here is what I'm doing to enjoy a simple Christmas, even though it wasn't (entirely) by choice!:
This Christmas, each of our children will have 3 presents under the tree. Not to follow some cutesy plan, and not even because "3 presents was good enough for Jesus" - but because that's what we already had for them. We aren't doing some of our 'traditional' Christmas activities, and husband and I have agreed that our new business is our gift to each other. And you know what? This is shaping up to be the very best Christmas I've ever had. Our kids are enjoying not just one morning, but a season - and there's not even a hint of sadness in our home! To wrap this up, the way you enjoy a simple Christmas, even if it isn't by choice - is by choosing to enjoy it. I pray whatever circumstances you find yourself in this Christmas, you are able to experience the life, light, and joy of JESUS! 
10 Comments
12/16/2016 08:12:38 am
Simple brings us back to what really matters--faith and family--and it sounds like you have been blessed abundantly despite the hardship! What a gift to be reminded that Jesus IS the gift and that you are sharing it with others. Merry Christmas! LOVE your blog!
Yes! I think one of the most beautiful things about this experience is God used it to reveal my heart. A simple Christmas was a perfect idea, and I loved the idea! But when I wasn't in control of making that happen - when it happened TO me - the pride and fear at the root was quickly exposed. How gracious is our God! 12/16/2016 12:10:35 pm
I really appreciate this post... and you are brave for sharing it! I loved this line: "This is only a season."
Thank you, Allison! Yes, it is definitely only a season - one filled with learning and growing and experiencing new depths of Jesus' love! 12/16/2016 12:22:38 pm
Naomi, I love this. I see it as a win-win, because it can be harder to truly enjoy Christmas when you have more resources and funds. So when you are forced to focus on what matters, it's even better than other years!
Hi Ivanna! It certainly did help me focus! I think, though, our focus is tied to our hearts. If our hearts are grateful and full of joy - recognizing the beauty around us - then we focus on what matters! Whether our resources are abundant or limited, we can chose joy or negativity. I'm grateful for this opportunity to see where my heart was in need of a refocus! :) I'm not very crafty either, at least not confidently so lol. Last year with my nephews, I did simple crafts with them, listened to and sang Christmas songs, watched some Christmas movies, and gave them simple gifts: a tiny toy dog ornament that said "Merry Christmas! Ruff ruff!" They got a kick out of those. It's not the same as having my own kids, as the gift giving would be mostly on me. My brother makes it work as a single parent with low income to give them a few special gifts each year though and while they are small enough that every gift is a big deal to them, their excitement and happiness is amazing!
What a cute idea, Bonnie! I'm sure your nephews absolutely loved that special time with you! And what kid doesn't love a talking ornament???! :) Sounds a lot like the kinds of experiences my sweet (very creative!) sister shares with our tribe! 12/18/2016 08:45:21 pm
This is JUST the post I needed to read. Thank you so much. I am having baby #2 (1 and 2 will be 14 months apart) in January and I am a SAHM (not by choice). My husband is a youth pastor so it can be really tight on a monthly basis. Christmas is my absolute favorite time of the year, and today I just broke down in an ugly cry because I haven't bought a single present. Mostly, because I am afraid of spending the money and making a commitment to buy gifts. This post really put things into perspective, so thank you so much. <3 I love all your ideas on HOW to keep Christmas simple. Congratulations on baby #2, Renee! I'm glad the post spoke to your heart and brought some encouragement! I will certainly be praying God provides every need for your precious family! Along with daily encouragement for your heart as you live out the adventures He has for you! I'm so sorry you had an ugly cry - but can definitely relate to those moments. Know that you're not alone - and the struggle you're facing isn't too big OR too small for God! Hope your Christmas is the merriest you've ever had! Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Hi there!Adventures in faith, family, adoption, homeschooling, and training up a tribe to follow hard after Jesus are spilled into these posts --- most often written with a cup of coffee in hand. I hope you'll stick around a while and find something that brings you hope! get your copy of my book today!how i keep up!
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed
