Christmas Comes, Christmas Goes. I Want This, Not Those

Last night, after the kids went to bed, Benny and I found ourselves sitting on the couch, staring at our dry-as-can-be Christmas tree, and just reminiscing the past. We looked around our small living room, and were quite amused and surprised to find, that except for one old red chair we purchased from Craigslist last year when we moved into this condo, everything else we had with us when we celebrated our very first Christmas together.

Our life, so simple, yet so fulfilled. We don't own a flat screen, nor do we have surround-sound speakers. We still use the TV we received as our wedding gift, 6 years ago. We don't have cable television, nor do we subscribe to Tivo. All our furniture we purchased last year were pre-owned. We still sleep on our not-so-fancy bedsheets from years ago. We even own only one car (and not making payments for another). Caleb and Abby have been wearing hand-me-downs that were in pristine condition. Abby has been recycling her brother's toys. Yes, we live a simple life. So simple, that I almost forget what it was like to be able to shop anytime, anywhere I want, at any cost.

With our economy going from bad to worse this past year, we are oh so grateful that this has not affect us in any way. Last year, I was a stay-at-home mommy, with only Benny working. This year, I still am a stay-at-home mommy, with only Benny working. The only big change we had was we went from a family of three, to a family of four. Last Christmas, we had a tree, decorated with small and pretty ornaments, standing in our living room. There were presents wrapped with pretty papers under this tree. This Christmas, we have another tree, with more small and pretty ornaments on it, the difference is, there are no presents wrapped with pretty papers.


To say that I am not disappointed would be stretching the truth a little. I want so many things, from a digital SLR to a pair of new boots. I want a custom-made diaper bag from a local designer here in Southern California, and I don't mind owning a pair of Paige Denim. I want another coat from JCrew, or a gift card to Nordstrom. But as I step back and take a deep breath, I know that while there are things I will always want, I don't need any of them. Caleb and Abigail, they are too young to understand, and too naive to want certain toys. Looking at their smiling faces, counting 10 fingers and 10 toes with each of them, I realize, I really don't need anymore. I have my family here. I have a husband who is far better than I had always imagined (see, God does keep his promise). I have two beautiful, healthy munchkins who have brought so much joy into my life since the day they were born. I have a roof over my head. I have clothes to wear. I have a family, and I have friends who keep me laughing. You see, I am counting my blessings.

This Christmas, though we don't have presents under the tree, our home is filled with countless blessings. Blessings that do not have price tags attached. With so many people going around and emptying their wallets, we are learning to see what we already owned with a brand new appreciation. Another Christmas has come, and it will be over so fast. I can be happy to say, this Christmas, I want this (my life), not those (things).

Merry Christmas, to you all.