Our Simple Christmas

My husband and I have always vowed to be grateful for what we have and to never take anything for granted. We also promised when we were financially at our poorest, to give back when we had the chance. It took a decade of hard work to rise above where we started and earn our financial independence.

The road was not easy. It was bumpy and at times treacherous. There were road blocks and detours, avalanches and mudslides. At times, the road just ended and we were left having to carve out a trail only to have it washed away in a flash flood.

Over the last five years we have achieved our dreams and bought our dream home on five acres. We picture spending the rest of our lives here and having our grandchildren running throughout the house. Of course, with a larger place, comes more expenses. We had a difficult home buying and selling experience and it left our money tied up in unexpected places right with our anniversary, our daughter’s birthday and the holidays approaching.

We sat down, hammered out a budget and spoke with the kids about having a more simple Christmas. The real gift was our new home and our ability to give back to those in need. Our kids, the sweet little girls they are, were more than happy to slash their Christmas lists in half and even with a budget our tree is still full of gifts. We had a simple birthday for my daughter, she invited eight friends, we bought Little Caesars Pizza and I decorated my own cupcakes. I didn’t spend money on decorations or elaborate games. The girls were content to dance in the living room and jump on the trampoline all afternoon.

We usually go all out for our anniversary. We’re both foodies so we typically try out expensive restaurants in Portland with a unique menu and romantic ambience. This year, we simply went to the waterfront and tried out a new pub. It wasn’t about the price of the food, an elaborate gesture or romantic lighting, it was about connection and being thankful to have each other. Knowing that our road was finally rising to meet us. We can at last, see a destination!

We decided to not buy anything for each other this year but to instead hire a moving company for our furniture. After three moves, we’ve come to loathe moving furniture and this was the best gift we have ever given each other!

Our family stayed for a few nights over Christmas. For the first time, everyone had a bed to themselves. We cooked a ham dinner in our new kitchen and went on a delicious food adventure as my brother’s girlfriend cooked a traditional meal from her home country. The kitchen was a mess, the brand new fridge slicked with spilled food and crumbs scattered the floor. The laundry quickly overflowed and we shuffled through boxes looking for items we needed. All a reminder that we’re home!

I enjoyed our simple, crazy-mess of a Christmas in a home that I have only ever dreamed of and loving the moments that truly matter. The memories will always be in the love we share for our family…not what’s under the tree, what house we’re living in and what we did for our anniversary. The real gift is being content and loved! I have those two things in abundance. I’m truly blessed!