Photo by futureshape

E and I have been working on our budget these days as I’m sure you have been doing as well with the economy the way it is. We have been pretty successful with trimming some of the fat off of our spending, too. It has been good to know that we are getting our finances under control, but we have Christmas on the horizon now. We have decided that we are going to buy household items for each other this year instead of indulging in the things we want to have. The kids, of course, are getting a couple of toys, but they are mostly getting things they need like underwear, socks, and toothbrushes. Luckily they are still young enough that ripping the paper open means about as much as getting the actual gift! Fortunately for us we had gift cards left over from last year and the year before so we’ve managed to keep the price tag low so far.

With that being said, I think that this Christmas might be the best one we have yet. I say that because this year we are being forced to think about what really matters to us. We’ve also been doing lots of Advent activities this month, so we are all drawing closer to Jesus this month. Couple that with reading the Christmas story in its entirety on Christmas morning, and I think that this Christmas will be full of meaning. I am looking forward to having time with our family delighting in the Lord while playing, laughing, and eating great food with my family.

So here’s to a Christmas filled with what we really need, love. This Christmas and every Christmas we receive love from our Lord and Savior wrapped in the love of our families.

Have a blessed Christmas this year knowing that Jesus loves you!