It's Been Merry

We got through it with flying colors. And wrapping paper. This was the first Christmas in recent memory that we have spent the whole week before Christmas and especially the big day at home. And it was glorious!

I read an article that the retail industry experienced disappointing sales this holiday season. They may think it's lack of consumer confidence, but in our family, it was focusing on what was important. We've implemented the 3 gift rule for the kids--three from mom & dad, 3 from Santa, one gift for each other (the kids), and one for each of us. That might sound like a lot, and maybe it is, and it will probably be even less next year. Because I know that a single thoughtful gift means so much more than having a bunch of stuff under the tree.

What Matters

Clint and I finally hit a wall for the thoughtful gift surprise. At one point he shook his head and said, "If there's anything you want, just tell me, because I'm at a loss as to what to get you."

Honestly, I said, I don't really want anything. I already have everything I need and want. And it may sound hokey, but I don't need or want the latest and greatest. I enjoy my first generation Nook reader; my wardrobe could use some help, but that can only improve with the loss of about 15-20 pounds; I have a good working camera, computer, iPod, a new car, a house we are working to improve (and be proud of our hard work), and we have each other. And aside from spending more time together and as a family, I want for nothing. So I asked for the only thing I could think of: A set of bongos.

After an arched eyebrow, I said I was serious. I want to make music with the girls. It will improve dance time immensely. He nodded.

Clint has always been one to get what he wants, and since he's a gadget man, and knows them better than I do, he buys what he wants, like noise cancelling headphones, the iPod, the digital cameras, xBox Kinnect, you get the idea. So I stay away from that stuff, but what does it leave? Practical things, like travel mugs, wallets, and khaki pants. Stuff that make us both cringe. This year, he asked for a globe. So I got him an internet updatable, interactive globe. He's been travelling so much, he wanted to show the kids where he's going, and this globe goes a step further, talking about capitals, anthems, history, and much more.

Aside from downsizing the number of gifts, I want to continue reducing the amount of waste. I wrap a few gifts, but our stockings are stuffed with unwrapped gifts; I use and reuse gift bags and tissue paper. Even Santa is green, reusing felt gift bags every year--he even reuses the gift tags. Let's face it: the girls, and even Clint don't remember what the wrap looks like, because I've been reusing Santa's bags for 3 years now.

Wrapping (and not wrapping) frees me up to prep the turkey on Christmas Eve so that I could enjoy the girls in the morning instead of being in the kitchen. And it was awesome to hear Clint playing with the girls, even if they were running around the house like banshees.

Crumpet Goes Home

It was a relief to send Crumpet the Elf back to his home. Thanks to Pinterest and other overachievers, the bar for the Elf on the Shelf is ever higher, and I'm not certain I'm going to stay in that race. On several days he was found in the same place as the previous day, and once--perched as he was over the curtain rod behind our tree--he nearly toppled in front of the kids when I pulled open the curtain. Maisey screamed not to touch him as I reached up to steady him. It was a moment of dread that I shouldn't have to feel, really. But he's back in the North Pole, and I'm sure by the time he returns next year I'll be excited and once again will surely over plan the entire month. And yes, I've already pinned a few Elf on the Shelf websites on Pinterest.

Being Thankful

I am thankful to my hubby for helping out with Crumpet this year. And so thankful we got to spend a week at home before travelling to see family. I felt much more relaxed and happy, and when we did travel, visiting was much more enjoyable.

On Facebook, a lot of people wrote little things they were grateful for each day to commemorate Thanksgiving. But I'm thankful for the week at home with my family. The greatest gift of all is life. Second to that is enjoying it with loved ones.

And now I look forward to making some awesome music with my new set of bongos.