Christmas is for the Frugal
Celebrating the true meaning of Christmas
by Nikki Willhite
There are many that are going to read this
article and say that it is "sour grapes". There are also others to which this
may not apply. However, there are things that I want to say to all those who are
going to have a frugal Christmas this year. Rejoice! Christmas is for the
frugal.
Have you been in the stores this year? Could
the decorations be more ornate? Whatever happened to the traditional colors of
green and red for Christmas? They have given way to the more ostentatious colors
of silver and gold.
The trees are decorated to perfection. Every
ornament, bead, and ribbon is part of a carefully planned orchestration of the
design. No place on those trees for the ornaments your children make for you in
school.
Christmas has become extravagant beyond
belief. It even has its own style now that you have to keep up with. No more
colored lights to decorate your house. They are outdated. Now you must buy the
trailing, icicle lights.
The decorations in your home are judged by
how tall your tree is, the amount of garland and twinkling lights you display,
and by how many and how big your animated displays of Santa, his reindeer,
carolers, and more.
When did we lose it?
Does anyone remember that Christmas began in
a humble stable? Are the expensive gifts and the elaborate decorations
reflective of the reason we celebrate Christmas? If you focus on these things,
you will have an impressive display both outside and inside your house, probably
lots of expensive gifts, and most likely a sizable balance on your charge card.
Is this really Christmas?
How many people do you know that celebrate
Christmas that are not even Christians, or do not even believe in God? It is
nothing but a tradition to them, dictated by the whims of store retailers.
So that is why I say that Christmas is for
the frugal. When your eyes are not blinded by the tinsel and lights, it is
easier to see the true meaning of Christmas. Your Christmas tree is as warm and
inviting as you are. There is nothing that your child cannot bring home from
school that will not be welcomed by your tree and cherished by you for
sentimental reasons for years to come.
Your presents usually require sacrifice, and
are given with more love than money. You probably use this holiday to teach
giving and thinking of others. You take the time to enjoy each other's company
and share time together. You spend more time baking than shopping, and your home
is filled with delicious food and wonderful smells. These are the memories that
will last a lifetime.
So, don't be envious of those who are covered
and clouded in the materialism of Christmas. Remember the true meaning of
Christmas, and you will know who is really rich.
About the Author: Nikki Willhite,
mother of 3 and an interior design graduate, has been writing and publishing
articles on the topic of
frugal living for over a
decade. Visit her at
www.frugalhappyfamilies.com
- where you will find hundreds of frugal living tips and articles. Frugal
Happy Families- more than just money! Article first published at
www.allthingsfrugal.com