Almost Christmas

Are you ready? Just two more days!

I started my Christmas shopping in October this year and was feeling pretty proud of myself, but when I finally got down to checking everything I ended up having to brave the stores these past two days. I am now officially declaring myself done with the shopping!... I think….

This is the second year of what I call our “Special Period” (there is a joke in there but to understand it you have to be Cuban). We have had to “downsize” our lifestyle to adjust to our change of circumstances since my husband started his own business. I have mixed feelings with the whole secularization /commercialization of the holiday. On the one hand, I love the idea of a simple Christmas one that focuses on the Reason for the holiday, where our focus is on Christ and on bringing goodwill to people less fortunate. On the other hand, I love the glitzy side of Christmas, the decorations, gifts bulging at the bottom of the Christmas tree, the look in the girls faces as they open their presents. I did not have that growing up and I love to be able to do it for the girls.

Do you feel the same conflict? How do you solve it in your own life? I would love to hear your opinion!