Merry {simple} Christmas

We have one small box marked 'Christmas.' It holds all our ornaments, decorations, lights, and stockings. So to begin with, I sorta do it simple every year.

But this year, we didn't send a card out. (Though we loved getting yours!!)

We bought a really small tree.

We purchased very few gifts, for ourselves and the boys (actually I bought ZERO for baby G. Second kid). And what we did buy, we bought online mostly, and avoided all those crowded parking lots.

Partly because we knew we'd be spoiled by family anyway, partly because of the pile of medical bills on the counter, and partly because a small Christmas was just what we needed after a big year.

I focused more this month on this concept*: give whatever it is you are lacking. I felt ignored, so I gave attention. I felt broke, so I gave money. I felt a lack of the spirit of Christmas, so I gave for the sake of giving: service, unexpected gifts, kindness. It made for a lovely December, and one not at all distracted by consumerism.

Today, on Mike's day off, we spent a cold, beautiful day on our long-awaited new bike path behind the apartment building. A gift in itself (thanks, city!). And a perfect family outing.

This is not to say that December didn't have its challenges. OK, one challenge mostly (toddler fits GALORE), but for the most part it was pretty close to perfect.

I like the idea of simple even more than I did before. I think we might make it our new tradition.

*if you aren't reading this blog yet, you should start. It might just change your life a little bit.