As we prepare
to take our second Christmas trip to the mainland since living in Puerto Rico,
we're reminded again of how freeing it can be to not afford a big Christmas. Last
year, we were pregnant, living on a little income from the office and
supplementing the rest with savings. We told family and friends that everything
would be homemade, and we worked for weeks making gifts we hoped weren't cheesy
or useless. I knitted scarves, modge-podged pictures (with Elmer's glue, of
course-Modge Podge brand is entirely too expensive), painted tote bags, made
homemade hot chocolate mix, meat marinades, and more. My husband made wood
backings for the pictures and really legit rubber band guns. It was so fun and
refreshing to work together and give things we'd put a lot of work into.
This
year, we're making a few things, but we decided on an extremely small budget
person that meant about one small thing each. What some would think is a burden
has really proven to be liberating in our house.
This
season is unusual as we prayerfully wait to see what The Lord has in store for
us next. It is possible that at some point in 2014 we may be Texas bound once
more. So, along with the desire to keep Christmas gifts simple and work with
very little funds, this moving possibility has frozen any non-essential buying.
We are not military and no one pays for our moves, so there's the issue of
checked luggage cost and weight, along with carry-on luggage stipulations. Add shipping costs and we would begin to see
the debt we have incurred while living here get worse. We prefer to deal with
those things as little as possible, so we basically get rid of the majority of
what we have. Surprisingly, that's actually pretty freeing as well. It bites
down the temptation to shop with money we don’t have, and it makes sure we
rarely get attached to stuff. We are
able to meet needs of others by giving things away or selling for very little.
Then, when we move, God provides. So many times in our marriage (and our entire
lives) we’ve been reminded of how much stuff
doesn’t really matter.
I know
we are fairly minimalist; I also know not everyone is made for this lifestyle.
Don't get me wrong, I like my Kitchenaid, Sanuks, and Mary Kay makeup just like
the next girl; however, I recognize that those things are not necessities. If
something were to happen that takes them away, I’d be sad, but I’d be fine. I
suppose this reflection is happening as I watch Christmas shopping take place and
attempt to prepare my heart and mind for a trip back to the states. It’s such a
different lifestyle than the one we’ve made here. It’s so busy. So complex. So
much money. So much stuff. This is
not judgmental or even a charge to change, it’s just a reminder to myself and
to others to back away from the madness for a moment, recognize how blessed we
are to be able to buy and receive gifts at all, and realize that if we let
ourselves get sucked into the pressure of fitting a mold it all becomes one of
Solomon’s favorite words: meaningless.
This
Christmas season, let’s remember together that gifts are wonderful and fun, but
the majority of them don’t matter at all. Let go of the pressure of having and
giving the best stuff. Don’t worry
about impressing the in-laws, the best friend, or the cousins. This Christmas,
let’s remember why Christmas exists to begin with. Remember that Christmas
celebrates that Baby Jesus was born in order to die to take on the sins of the
world. Give to the needy…to celebrate His sacrifice. Enjoy time with family and
friends even if you don’t necessarily get along with them…to honor His
teaching. Consider the possibility of simplifying even just a little bit…to
imitate His lifestyle.
Be
thankful for the stuff, but realize
if it’s beyond basic needs, its abundance, and, frankly, it doesn’t really
matter.
From
our shore to yours, Merry Christmas!
