I love Christmas with all its bright colors and upbeat music.. don’t you?
got my tree up. lights are on it.. and that is about all at this present moment..will have to get the rest for the tree out of the shed at some point.. being lazy this year I guess..I get into the Christmas spirit, then I get out of it as fast as I got into it..if that makes any sense..
with the way the economy is right now and money being so tight for most everyone..its easy to get depressed and overwhelmed..
and those of you that have wee ones, I can just imagine your stress level going through the roof, this time of year.
at one time when mine were small, and there was very little money, we started a new tradition.. one of which at first was hard, but in the end turned out really rather nice.. instead of giving or exchanging gifts on Christmas.. we waited until New Years eve to give or exchange the presents..for the wee ones of course there was one (1) present under the tree from Santa.. we would make a cake for Jesus birthday, and celebrate HIS day.. on Christmas.. then when New Years Eve came around..( which more times then not, it also goes along the timelines of when the Wisemen came and saw baby Jesus in the manger, and gave him their gifts..) rather than celebrate the new years with going out on the town.. we would have another dinner and give out the gifts.. it worked very well in so many way..for one all the great sales are AFTER Christmas.. so one does save a bundle..for two it teaches the wee ones.. how to bring in the new year in a different way.. and for us parents.. it reduces so much stress.. big time!!
with the way the economy is right now and money being so tight for most everyone..its easy to get depressed and overwhelmed..
and those of you that have wee ones, I can just imagine your stress level going through the roof, this time of year.
at one time when mine were small, and there was very little money, we started a new tradition.. one of which at first was hard, but in the end turned out really rather nice.. instead of giving or exchanging gifts on Christmas.. we waited until New Years eve to give or exchange the presents..for the wee ones of course there was one (1) present under the tree from Santa.. we would make a cake for Jesus birthday, and celebrate HIS day.. on Christmas.. then when New Years Eve came around..( which more times then not, it also goes along the timelines of when the Wisemen came and saw baby Jesus in the manger, and gave him their gifts..) rather than celebrate the new years with going out on the town.. we would have another dinner and give out the gifts.. it worked very well in so many way..for one all the great sales are AFTER Christmas.. so one does save a bundle..for two it teaches the wee ones.. how to bring in the new year in a different way.. and for us parents.. it reduces so much stress.. big time!!
it also teaches the wee ones as well as the adults that there is more to Christmas than giving gifts.. its the giving of ones self.. its the renewal of a relationship between you and the one who loves you more than you could ever imagine. and the real wonder of what Christmas really means.. just my thought on things.. and hopefully it may help those who are facing a real crunch this Christmas..
you might want to give it a try.. nor not.. depending on your stance or thoughts..either way.. try and enjoy this most wondrous time of year..
sending much love with soft hugs..
~Hope
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It sounds like you are ready for christmas and I hope you have peace on earth or maybe not if little ones are coming over for christmas
Hello dear lady, thnx for your message, I had no idea you were back, I am so glad. Don\’t know why you can\’t access my space but try using my address link instead and see, that often works. I know I have trouble with a few of my friends too and thats the only way I can get in. Christmas UGH! It has become such a stressful time for so many ppl. I feel like running away to be honest and in a way we are. Going south for 6 weeks right after on the 28th. Would loved to have gone before but my Mom always stays with us Christmas Eve and day so I wouldn\’t feel right leaving her. Anyway, let me know if you can get onto my space this way, I also have another space I opened just for Christmas, I will send you an invite. So happy to see you hope, much love and ((hugs)) Patricia xoxhttp://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj202/p_tricia2/my%20pictures/Christmaswindow2.gif
Hi dear friend what a wonderful post and so true to, you have lifted my Christmas spirit THANKS !!! Hope i to like some of the updates and some i don\’t but even though it may take a little more time to get to a friends space it\’s worth it . But the more i use these new updates the more i like them .
Hi Hope, Glad to see you back.
It is a nice surprise just before Christmas. It is quickly coming upon us.I am taking boxing day off work this year, so I will have 4 whole days off work. I am so looking forward to spending time with my family. All 4 of our boys will be home for Christmas this year, plus my daughter-in-law and three grandaughters,my future daughter-in-law and my mom. We will have a full house. Love your photos! Very colorful and creative. My camera hasn\’t seen much action lately as it is dark now when I get off work and I am busy trying to get ready for Christmas. It is a very busy time of the year but I am also looking forward to some quiet time to relax and reflect on The True Meaning of Christmas, as we celebrate Jesus\’ Birthday. Well it is getting late and so I will say Goodnight! Blessings, Dianne 
Dear Hope, Wow! Your Space looks great! I am befuddled with the changes at Windows Live Spaces and have kept the Painting Studio bare bones as it were. Am sure the beta dork in me will kick in one of these days, as time allows, and then give it a go. Work is very busy this time of year yet I have time to remember, reflect, and pray. God bless you and yours this Christmas Season and as ever be well.Stephen Craig Rowe
Hi Hope what a great blog, and the pics are amazing…the weather is for the birds one day rain, one day snow…what you gonna do…It\’s taking me time to get used to these new changes, most blogs I don\’t see being published and all the comments are for the world to see…we can complain, but it won\’t change a thing, I learned that a long time ago…I hope you have a great day and pls keep warm lol…xxhugs, Pauline
o boy…a lot of friends going to kick me out…i really didnt see this blog, if it was not for Pauline\’s comment i would missed this one….what a great idea abt the presents, think i have to try that, not that i give presents on Christmas day, so pls if u published a blog and here is no comment of me…give me a shake pls…LOL…have a great wednesday what is left of it, and i\’m sending u many many hugs!!
That was so nice thaank you. Hey stopped by to say hi and wish you a blessed weekend. Thanks for your comments also. Hugs to you.
Just saying hello and saying thanks for your visit. This is a good idea you have here, Hope. One year my family and I had Christmas in Jan. because of ice/snow. It was fun anyways, just the family being together. Have a blessed weekend, Ann
Hi my dear friend, wishing you a safe and wonderful weekend !!! Thanks so much for your note on my profile and your nice comments ! Sending warm hugs your way !!!
sending my friend a hug and hope u weekend is kind to u..http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk48/azezy2/6fafc07f.jpg
Here to wish you a great weekend!Hugs, DD
Dear Hope, Something is wrong with your profile. It says, " amature photographer" this must be a mistake or a typo. Yeah, we know what Christmas really means as do many others. For each in every way and everywhere have something good to share. When I saw the full moon of December it was straight up. Must have gotten home just at midnight and for a moment I was frozen by the image.As ever be well, You know,Stephen Craig Rowe
What a lovely idea Hope. I think most of us get too caught up in the gift giving and forget what its really all about. Like many ppl we have really scaled back this year. Wishing you a most wonderful and blessed Christmas with your loved ones. Much love and ((hugs)) PJ
Wonderful photos…just beautiful along with your blog. Chrismas is too commercialized and has been for a long time now…I wonder how many really do take the time to remember why we celebrate Christmas?Hugs to you