I am struggling with my choices this Christmas. My heart is agreeing with Ann but my actions are quite predictably different from hers. Santa and I are both done shopping this year - or nearly. We weren't extravagant (though tempted). The decorations are up this year in a satisfyingly-spare way - to suit Anna's small wandering hands.
I am not cluttered up with decorations and I've tossed and sorted and found-homes (can't put it away if it doesn't have a place!) for lots. But that isn't so radical or remarkable. It's just safe and conservative. It's not radical or memorable or especially life-giving. My heart is feeling wrung (twisted like my kitchen washcloth - that kind of wrung) when I think of getting and getting this year. I WANT presents - I like them - I'm greedy for them. Of course I'm sweetly "Oh, there's nothing I need" and all that - but I really like presents (for me) and I'm finally getting the hang of the "plan ahead" concept that makes giving fun, too. But aaaaaargh. I'm over-full and overwhelmed!
Just go read the Ann link. Perhaps you are braver than I.
Thank you for sharing your heart, Julie. I understand the struggle and hate it too! Thanks too for sharing the link. Maybe we can adjust and do a couple of these things to make our giving different this year!
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