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Have you been in the stores this year? Could the decorations be more ornate? Whatever happened to the traditional colors of green and red for Christmas? They have given way to the more ostentatious colors of silver and gold.
The trees are decorated to perfection. Every ornament, bead, and ribbon is part of a carefully planned orchestration of the design. No place on those trees for the ornaments your children make for you in school.
Christmas has become extravagant beyond belief. It even has its own style now that you have to keep up with. No more colored lights to decorate your house. They are outdated. Now you must buy the trailing, icicle lights.
The decorations in your home are judged by how tall your tree is, the amount of garland and twinkling lights you display, and by how many and how big your animated displays of Santa, his reindeer, carolers, and more.
WHEN DID WE LOSE IT?
Does anyone remember that Christmas began in a humble stable? Are the expensive gifts and the elaborate decorations reflective of the reason we celebrate Christmas?
If you focus on these things, you will have an impressive display both outside and inside your house, probably lots of expensive gifts, and most likely a sizable balance on your charge card. Is this really Christmas?
How many people do you know that celebrate Christmas that are not even Christians, or do not even believe in God? It is nothing but a tradition to them, dictated by the whims of store retailers.
So that is why I say that Christmas is for the frugal. When your eyes are not blinded by the tinsel and lights, it is easier to see the true meaning of Christmas. Your Christmas tree is as warm and inviting as you are. There is nothing that your child cannot bring home from school that will not be welcomed by your tree and cherished by you for sentimental reasons for years to come.
Your presents usually require sacrifice, and are given with more love than money. You probably use this holiday to teach giving and thinking of others. You take the time to enjoy each other's company and share time together. You spend more time baking than shopping, and your home is filled with delicious food and wonderful smells. These are the memories that will last a lifetime.
So, don't be envious of those who are covered and clouded in the materialism of Christmas. Remember the true meaning of Christmas, and you will know who is really rich.
About The Author: Nikki Willhite, mother of 3 and an interior design graduate, has been writing and publishing articles on the topic of frugal living for over a decade. Visit her at www.frugalhappyfamilies.com - where you will find hundreds of frugal living tips and articles. Frugal Happy Families- more than just money! Article first published at www.allthingsfrugal.com
By
11/08/2010
Thank you! I feel the same way about the commercialization of Christmas. And I get tired of all the snazzy decorations and every new artist having a Christmas CD of Santa Claus is Coming to Town and Jingle Bells. How about some First Noel?
I've let my family & friends know that I will be making all gits this year (esp. crocheted and decoupaged items) because last year when I wasn't frugal I was definitely in the hole starting out the new year. We all need to save all we can now. I've let them know too that I don't need any flashy gifts this year because I already have too much stuff! A nice gift would be a gift card to the grocery store or some homemade cookies.
Sorry to go on and on but this post really caught my eye and made me say thank goodness I'm not the only one who is sick of the tinsel and carols, who wants Christmas to be about Jesus and not the biggest, best gifts.
By AJ McCreary (Guest Post)
10/13/2008
I enjoyed this article. I have ALWAYS been looked at as a Xmas grinch b/c I hate all the glitter and jazz of the commercial holiday season. i much perfer my loved ones to spend an hour of time with me rather than a gift of any kind! After many years of being this way it still shocks and confuses the people in my life. It is refreshing to see many other people that feel this way and preach to find and celebrate the real meaning of Xmas! To all the other "scrooges" Happy Holidays, enjoy the simple things in life! and not being in debt or having a cluttered home!
By
05/15/2008
WELL SAID!! NO, WE AREN'T SCROOGES!! BUT CHRISTMAS IS WAY TOO COMMERCIALIZED, TRYING TO SEE WHO CAN OUTDO THE OTHER!! BULL, I'LL BET OUR SAVIOUR DIDN'T HAVE ALL THE MATERIAL WONDERS AND COMFORTS ON HIS BIRTH NIGHT! CAN YOU IMAGINE, MOTHERS OUT THERE, HAVING TO GIVE BIRTH IN SOMETHING LIKE A STABLE!!WITH ANIMALS PRESENT?? OH NO, NOTHING FOR YOU AND YOUR BABY BUT PRISTINE PERFECTION, RIGHT?? NOW DO YOU SEE KIND OF WHERE WE ARE COMING FROM HERE?? I HATE THE WORD FRUGAL. IT'S AN UGLY STUPID SOUNDING WORD AND I WOULD HAVE NEVER USED IT TO DESCRIBE MYSELF, I'M JUST USED TO HAVING TO MAKE DO WITH WHAT I HAVE, AS ARE MY FAMILY. MAYBE IT WOULDN'T HURT A BIT FOR A LOT MORE FAMILIES OUT THERE TO SEE HOW THE OTHER SIDE LIVES. TRY TELLING YOUR 3 YR. OLD THERE IS NO SANTA COS SANTA IS BROKE AND IT'S TOO LATE TO GET HELP. GO BACK TO BASICS FOLKS, IT'S NOT BAD. IT'S REALITY!!AND YOU'LL ALSO DISCOVER WEALTH UNTOLD RIGHT WITHIN YOUR OWN FAMILY!!CONCENTRATE ON THE REASON FOR THE SEASON AND YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS. THAT'S THE BEST CHRISTMAS YOU COULD EVER HAVE!!
By
12/09/2007
I very much agree! I wish more people would understand and agree to "live the simple life".
By Jennifer (Guest Post)
11/20/2007
What a wonderful article. It is so true. This year I have decided to try and teach my children the true meaning of Christmas. To begin, we will be going to a widow's home in our church and decorating her tree for her. We are a frugal family, but I want my children to know why we are that way. I wish more people would stop to think about what they are celebrating instead of who has the biggest sale!
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