I was dreading Christmas for awhile this year. It's so hard to do Christmas when there just isn't anything left over at the end of the paycheck. My kids gave me the first lesson in the true meaning and spirit of Christmas. I told them that there weren't going to be many gifts under the tree...and they told me that Christmas doesn't come from a store. They continued to be excited about Christmas....anticipating it. So I thought that if they were excited.... I was going to make it as merry as I could. I asked a friend at work one day if her nephews were still around the area...and would work for cheap to help me decorate the house and surprise the kids. To make a long story short, Two friends from work...who aren't as scared of ladders...and know a WHOLE lot more about lights, came and helped me decorate the house. It didn't necessarily go smoothly, but they got it done. The surprise has been revealed to the kids one at a time...and they each had their own reaction....and all are so happy to have the house lit up for Christmas. As I drive up to the house each evening...with all the lights lit, it really helps to put me in the spirit.
When it comes to having a Merry Christmas, having some money sure does make it a lot easier....but having friends that will come stand outside...and stand on ladders, and keep replacing fuses to help you get the job done...is truly what puts you in the Christmas spirit. Because in the end....Christmas is about giving....whatever you have to give. It's about sharing and loving. It's about remembering that we are all connected...and we need to keep each other close. I am so thankful for the people in my life, who like George Bailey, make me the richest girl in town.
“Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind. ”
~ Mary Ellen Chase
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