Moderation

Source: southernliving.com via Beth on Pinterest

Are you excited about Christmas this year?

 I am super excited :) I look forward to the smell of the fresh cut tree and the fir scented candles....the lights twinkling in the night....the stockings hung from the mantle {I finally got a mantle! Thanks Treva:) You are the best!}....the sounds of the sweet Christmas music....the yummy food that I'll admit I gorge myself on....fun with family & friends....pretty wreaths on the windows....cozy cuddles.....the list could go on forever.....

I have thought many times throughout the year about our Christmas.  I want it to be special.  I want our children to have fond memories.  I want them to enjoy the season.  But I don't want it all to be about the

gifts.

And I mean gifts to ourselves. 

 I want them to enjoy a deeper meaning of Christmas. One that will have an eternal impact.

We have more than enough.  We are not in need.  We get "gifts" all year long. We Americans indulge ourselves at every turn.  And that includes this family.  Me.  We live in a wealthy society.  And yet we seem to think we are deprived.  Are we just a little ungrateful?  You think?!

"According to the Advent Conspiracy, Americans spent $450 billion on Christmas in 2009. That's this number: $450,000,000,000. All spent in the name of a holiday intended to celebrate the birth of Christ. The Prince of Peace, the Wonderful Counselor... the One who was sent "to preach the good news to the poor."

That one."

{source}

I think we have totally missed the "reason for the season."

How did Jesus celebrate?

I want to do Christmas a little more like Jesus. 

Don't get me wrong....I absolutely love the "pretty things". .  Making everything just so-so.  I love to decorate! I love to look at the pretty stuff and dream about it. I love to change things up in my house. I love the excitement of it all.  And I think that's okay.  To an extent..........

So........

Lately I am standing firm on one word.

Moderation. 

Moderation in all aspects of my life.  It's certainly not always fun.  But it makes lots of sense.

So moderation is my theme for Christmas. 

Concentrating on giving...not getting.

 For more info. on Advent Conspiracy, check out Good to be Crazy.