Christmas is for the Frugal
by Nikki Willhite
www.allthingsfrugal.com
Discovering the true meaning of
Christmas
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 They are outdated.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.