Christmas

I haven't mentioned this before on here, but I probably should so that my explanation of my Christmas gifts will make more sense. Like most Americans, we're not made of money. We also have not been the greatest at saving money. I'm working on a budget right now, and we're getting our act together. But, because of money, we were unable to buy Christmas gifts for our friends and family. We told them all that we weren't able to do it this year, and they understood. I told my mom not to get us anything, but like a mom, she can't. We talked about it, and instead of getting us fun gifts, we would get things we need for our house. I made a list for her of everything we use, like the brands of toothpaste, the kind of laundry soap, dishwasher soap, you get the idea. Household products was our theme this Christmas, and I have to say, I think it was one of my favorites.

I have always had a problem with gift getting. I don't know if you have a family like mine, but on one side of my family, we always get together and open gifts. When we were really young everyone had to wait for all of the gifts to be passed out before we were allowed to open (which was an eternity). With that system though, it allowed my cousins to compare how many presents they had compared to everyone else, and it was about how much you got. Even when I was little I disliked gifts. I feel awkward opening gifts, and I panic about if the other person will like the gift I'm giving. I feel that our lives get so consumed with gifting, that Christmas gets pushed aside. I think that probably all over the country this year, Christmas was more about spending time with family, and less about gifts. And I think that is how it should be.

This is the first Christmas my brothers have really been into Christmas. It was a lot of fun seeing them get so excited about everything. My cousin Nick announced at Christmas dinner that his wife, Hannah is pregnant and they're expecting the baby in August. Even though my family drives me crazy, spending time with them is a great gift.

No, this wasn't a normal Christmas, but it was a good one.