**
So just an update, since I have dropped off the face of the blogger universe.
I was thinking this morning about what a wonderful Christmas season I am having.
Its really something I have always dreamed of: Two weeks prior to Christmas, I am not crazy, I am actually calm. We have enjoyed the company of friends and family and have had great meals together. Shopping is as done as it can be.
What's the difference, I wonder?
The difference is that this year we are using NO CREDIT. Every purchase we have made with cash and we are still paying our BILLS!
Previous Christmases we have used credit (which has been a huge burden) and debt has piled up over and over. Then every few years we refinance, or balance transfer which has left us with no savings.
Now I find that we can actually set limits on the amount of gifts we purchase, and still love and enjoy and celebrate the birth of our Savior with those we love.
I can't believe how stubborn I can be..that every year I get myself crazy with stress. I spend WAY more money that I can pay back in a year... all in an effort to "enjoy the holidays".
I think its something like a drug fix, when you know I am doing something wrong in an effort to feel right. I have had some days when I had to talk myself down from a nervous breakdown.
Thinking that people I love will not feel it or know that I love them if I do not buy them something this year, or if I don' tbuy as MUCH as last year. What's actually happened, though, is that its made me figure out
better ways to love them and show it.
tina fabulous,
