Black Friday Part 2

Last year I wrote about Black Friday and all that it brings and takes away. This time I have something different to say. 

I did not stay up late, stand in line during early hours of the morning, spend huge amounts on things I didn't need, and I didn't go to bed feeling guilty. I did however shop at Goodwill and got a heck of a deal on frames: 4/$7.50. It was a great feeling knowing that I bought something that I can recycle and recreate into something better, plus for such a cheap price! 

This year I am trying to have a more simple outlook on the Christmas season. Christmas has become so much about spending money, who is buying the best present, hoping your family is satisfied with the gift you chose, and are we dressed to impress. I am going to try my best to the make most of my gifts this year, recycle and make sure they are used and enjoyed instead of used, abused, and thrown away and neglected by December 26th. 

Yes, I am partly doing a simpler Christmas because my husband and I just finished the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University. We are trying to pay off debt quickly by pinching pennies. But as we discussed what we wanted to spend on Christmas presents we even considered not getting presents for each other. This would allow us to spend a little more on the ones we love. Spending less on Christmas has brought a peace to my heart, I don't feel near as stressed about impressing. The only thing I'm slightly stressed about is hoping that my homemade gifts don't turn out to be a complete disaster! 

So now I encourage you to shop at Goodwill and see what you can recreate and re-gift. May you discover a less-stressed version of yourself and remember the true meaning of Christmas is keeping Christ in Christmas! Celebrating the birth of our Savior!