HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE

Happy New Year to all.

I hope everyone has a safe celebration. 

i Survived Christmas without Buying Gifts

Well, there really is life after Christmas with homemade gifts...no gift buying!

I know that sounds ridiculous, especially for people who normally make their gifts, but for me it was and extreme stretch.

It seemed that everyone was a little more excited to give their gift this year. 

Here are some gifts that were given:

Shadow boxes filled with a lot of memories for the recipient

Framed photographs

A picture that was blown up and inserted in a window frame

Photo Albums that told a story

Free calendars that were given to someone 

A shirt that someone admired

Jewelry box

A handmade cube out of wood that had a dice in the middle of it.  (Really cool)

Homemade BBQ sauce

Homemade Shrimp Sauce (Japanese restaurant style)

A free haircut and style, manicure and pedicure from the Cosmetologist

A coupon that said, redeem for Quality time

And I'm sure that I've missed something!

It was a lot of fun and helped us focus on the true meaning of Christmas. We shared a lot of laughter. 

I hope to do it next year. 

Kelly

Christmas times a comin

Between working and just plain living my daily life, Christmas has snuck up behind me. It's almost here. Wow, that was really fast. But, our family is doing it a little different this year. With the economy the way it is and all of us being in the construction business, we've decided not to purchase gifts for each other this Christmas. However, we did decide to give "free" gifts. The adult men and woman have exchanged names with each other. We are to make, bake, give our time, or something that we already own to one another. At first, I was was sad in my heart because I've always bought gifts for my kids. ( even though they are adults now) But, as I look around town and observe the hustle and bustle of Christmas, I'm convinced that we have made the right decision, in spite of the economy. The frustration and anxiety is not there and I think that it will help us to pull back and see the true meaning of Christmas. As a Christian, I've always thought I've had a grip on the true meaning of Christmas, until this year. Somehow, I believe it's going to be very different. It reminds me of when you fast, during your fast, you can hear the Lord more as you clear your mind and heart of things. Not being involved with the hustle and bustle of Christmas has allowed me to see how I've gotten carried away with the "tradition". 

I wish you all a wonderful Christmas!