WOW!! Reading through your "rant" as well as Dexter's, Kvinn, I realize I haven't been missing much by not having had much money for the past few years. Thanks for reminding me that I gave up the MATERIALISM years and years ago. I don't remember exactly what year it was... probably after my anxiety reared it's ugly head and I couldn't go into any kind of store, that I withdrew from that scene. I had also experienced some ugly greed showing itself in some of my kid's friends and I didn't want my kids to get that way.

One Christmas, my husband and I decided it was time for a change so instead of wasting money on trinkets, we decided that everyone would make up a "coupon book" with favors and help that we were willing to contribute to another family member. They had to be personal help or favors... nothing in general; my oldest son, who was very good in math would give my daughter an hour's worth of tutoring a week at her request, my daughter would give me an hour's extra help with baby-sitting or house cleaning at my request, I would give her an hour's worth of time doing something she wanted to do, etc. Of course, they would all have ONE present under the tree, but before anyone opened a gift, we prayed. We gave thanks for the greatest gift of all, the person of Jesus, His birth, His life as our example for living, His sacrifice and the presence of His Spirit in our home. After all... He IS the reason for the season.

As far as I know, my kids haven't kept that tradition alive. My oldest son being the wealthiest, is the worst. His boys have so much that I am always at a loss at to what to get them for special occasions. So... I draw back and punt. I make up a coupon book for them. Maybe now that the oldest boy is 10, he'll start thinking of cashing in those coupons. I hope so, anyway.

For a change, I'll have money this Christmas, but I've decided that I'm going to stop worrying about what to get everybody and keep with tradition; the coupon books.

Yep! As a Christian, I rebelled against the Satanic aspect of Halloween waaaaaaay back when! My kids would dress up, but it never had anything to do with the dark side. My husband and I also rebelled against all the materialism of Xmas. We didn't exchange "Christ" for an "X".

Thanks again for reminding me of what I've been missing. Thank God!!




"For unto us a Son is given..."