I feel like I want to just go hang out in a log cabin, up in the mountains for the month. That way I wouldn't have to worry about having to buy Christmas presents and wrapping them and sending out Christmas cards and making all the different kinds of Christmas cookies that the kids want me to make. Just a tree and a nativity. Just focusing on what really is important this time of year. It seems like Christmas has become a lot of work. Work that the world makes us do because it's expected and not because we want to. Gifts are given out of obligation not out of love. Every year the scale gets grander and the presents get more expensive. It's not "it's the thought that counts" any more, it's "the more you spend the more you love me." I don't like watching TV this time of year what with all the adds and big sales and everything to buy that really have nothing to do with the holy day that we are to be celebrating. I need to find a way to change some things, at least in my own family for my children, so they don't forget the true reason for celebrating Christmas.

Sorry this is a bit off the mark but I just needed to get that out. I'm not trying to be a scrooge or anything, and I do love giving presents and making cookies for people I love and want to say thankyou for being such a good friend. I love seeing the kids faces on Christmas morning when they open there presents, but it just seems like every year it just gets bigger and bigger and more and more! Where does it stop? It's not simple any more. Parts of it aren't fun anymore. And to scale down would hurt feelings. So what do you do? Retailers count on this time of year to make money to make ends meet, but people are going into debt buying things they can't afford, because they think they have to. It's not right. I don't think the early followers of Christ meant for this time of year to be this way at all. I think they would be very sad to see what this holiday has become.
So, okay I'm done, and I'll hopefully get my log cabin Christmas one of these years, but until then I can turn off the TV and keep what I do simple and try to show love for my family and friends in simple ways. So Merry Christmas! By that I mean a Christmas full of love and health and family, serving others and feeling closer to our Heavenly Father for sending his Son.

Sorry a bit of an emotional mess today, and feeling a bit overwhelmed.