The 2nd Day of Christmas with Summer Saldana–Le Musings of Moi
Welcome to the 7th annual 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways!!!
12 Days.
12 friends guest posting sharing a Christmas idea, recipe or favorite with you.
12 great giveaways for you to enter along with one GRAND PRIZE for someone who comments to enter all 12 days!!
And on this Day 2 of Christmas, please help me welcome the Sensational Summer Saldana of Le Musings of Moi.
Summer is one of those women who certainly isn’t trying to hide anything — except maybe what is behind her beloved bangs. She is refreshingly open about her mommy meltdowns (she has 2 children, but one is strong willed, so it’s more like 4), her faith, and her obsession with thrift store shopping and makeup/skincare hauls.
But, whether it’s through writing, speaking, or leading her youth group girls, Summer’s greatest passion is connecting with others. And she does this by being open and honest, all while trying to find the humor and lesson in it all. Connect with Summer Saldana on her Blog or on You Tube.
Gratitude
It was a few years ago in Christmas Past that my husband and I excitedly put together one of the grandest Christmas’ our kids had ever seen. We thought a lot, spent a lot, got a lot, and felt blessed that we were actually able to do so much for them. And as we wrapped each of the gifts, we could barely stand the anticipation of seeing our children’s smiles and joy on Christmas morning.
Yet when Christmas morning came, we sat in a stunned silence as we watched our 6 year old son quickly tear through a mountain of presents in what seemed like 30 seconds, and then solemnly look around and ask, “So, that’s it? But I wanted…”
We couldn’t believe what we were witnessing!
We had been so thoughtful with our gifts and had spent so much time and money to give them all they could want or need, and instead of being grateful, they were left with a feeling of dissatifaction and unfulfilled wants.
Not quite the smiles and joy we had hoped for.
And so that day, we knew things needed to be different for our family. It was a wake up call not only that our son had gotten it wrong, but even more so, that my husband and I had.
It’s so easy to get caught up in the wants and the “gimmee gimmee’s” that the Holiday Season can bring. So easy. Like, every other day I have to check my own self before I wreck my own self. That easy.
And if I find that the struggle is that real in my own heart, how much more so will it be in the hearts of our little ones?
So, we made a change. We shifted our focus from what we want, instead to what we have to be thankful for. And we brought the excess of presents down to three or four per child, with a budget for the total amount set.
And instead of presents we focus on traditions.
Reading and reflecting on the real reason we celebrate Christmas.
Thinking of ways to bless others around us.
Listening to Christmas Music.
Building Gingerbread Houses.
Watching Christmas Movies.
Getting hot cocoa or cider and heading out to look at all the Christmas lights around town.
And when Christmas morning comes, they know what to expect. They know how many and how much. And before anything…we pray and we reflect on the story of Jesus.
And we are grateful.
Today’s Giveaway:
Summer wants to help you to capture all of the things that you are grateful for, so she is generously giving away this beautiful Gratitude Journal by Catherine Price.
To enter for a chance to win, simply enter a comment on today’s post sharing what you are grateful for today.
Don’t forget to come back for all 12 days! {And remember, if you comment on all 12 posts, you might win the Grand Prize!}