Christmas this year is going to be mighty slim, compared to Christmases past, thanks to my husband Jim losing his job at the refinery (downsizing).  He lost his job several months ago and it's been a struggle to try to get the bills paid on time.

After bills, there's not much money left over.  Which means that I will probably have to shop at the thrift stores or the dollar stores for gifts for my family.  I just hope they will understand that I thought enough to get them a little something and that it's better than getting nothing at all.

I know Hannie (6) will be disappointed that she won't be getting that bike she had her eyes on, but as I said, beggars can't be choosers, especially in my case.  I also know that Colt (7) will be mad at me for not getting him that handheld game, but this is a small price to pay.  Again, I hope that Colt will be happy wtih what I am getting him.

I plan on shopping this weekend.

I tell my family that we are blessed even though we may not have as much money: we have each other and we have a roof overhead, as well as food in our bellies.  I also tell them that they can reach out to others by making gift baskets or simple toys and visit elderly shut ins or sick children who are spending their holidays in the hospital.  We can do much to make Christmas a little more merry for so many deserving people.

I am going to do all I possibly can to make sure that this is our best Christmas.  We may not have much this time around, but we can still show the love of Christmas in our actions, and it will make our problems seem shallow in comparison.