Christmas...

As Christmas draws closer every year, I tell myself I'm not going to get caught up in the consumerism of the holiday and every year I fail miserably. This year I told myself I would only get my 20 month old son three gifts, which I actually purchased in October. Of course, I was happy with the gifts I got him on clearance, not spending very much money at all. But, as the Christmas drew closer, I wanted to buy him more. Why? My son is the youngest of eight grandchildren and gets TONS of hand me down toys. He certainly doesn't need any more toys and, at his age, he doesn't even want more toys. His bedroom is overflowing with toys and books-most of which he doesn't even play with! Yet, I felt the strong desire to get him more stuff to go under the Christmas tree and in his stocking. I'm so tired of stuff and the constant perceived need of 'more stuff' that we accept as normal. Caleb and I don't need anything. We have a home, food, clothing, books, toys, a car to get us around, beds, blankets, towels, dishes, a tv, dvd player, stereos...and so much more. Yet, I fight against the pull of consumerism every day.

Christmastime is the worst time to try to live a simple life. Everything in American culture pushes us towards spending and buying. This irritates me on so many levels, yet I fall into the same old routine of buying stuff I don't need. I want to raise my son to live a simple life and not get caught up in consumerism-constantly living in a state of discontent looking to fill his life with stuff. How can I teach him that? By doing it myself. As a parent I have realized that I have to live my life the way I hope my son will live his. I can't tell him to be generous and caring btu live a selfish life myself. I can't hope that he will not be materialistic and spoiled if I fill out home with meaningless stuff that overflows toy boxes and closets eventually ending up in the trash.

The issues I have with the insane materialism of Christmas is that is completely goes against everything that Christ stood for in the first place, and truly isn't a Christian holiday at all. Keeping in mind that holiday means Holy-day. Personally, I think we Christians should surrender Christmas to consumerism and make it an American holiday not a Christian holiday, because it wasn't ever a Christian holiday in the first place. Christians integrated the birth of Christ into the pagan holiday of the winter solstice in order to be more culturally relevant and not stand out as much in their society. So, if we Christians actually chose to take Christ out of Christmas I think it would set us free to celebrate Christ's birth in more authentic ways and help us to let go of the pressure of the so called holiday of Christmas. Christmas has become about the all mighty dollar more than anything else. The American economy depends on people to spend insane amounts of money during these last two months of the year in order to keep our country afloat financially. Christmas is an economic holy-day, not a spiritual holy-day.

Spending Rehab

All of my life I have been horrible with money. I have never saved a dime and tend to spend money without thinking or planning or even really needing anything. Part of this is the American consumerist way but more of it is just my lack of control and impulsivity combined with boredom. Now that I have a little one to care for, I need to change my spending habits and start being wise with my income. I do not want my son to grow up with my lack of financial responsibility-I want to model for him frugality, generosity and living simply. Its amazing how having a child will change perspective on things. Its my desire to provide my son with financial stability and a life where money worries do not dominate plus a sense of security in himself and God not in things. I want to pursue simplicity and contentment in our life to bring freedom and peace in a bigger way.

To start this, I have set a goal for myself. For the next 30 days, I am not going to spend more than $25 a week on anything besides gas and bills. Meaning, I am allowing myself $25 a week for the next 30 days for 'extra' things. We have plenty of groceries, Caleb is stocked up on formula and baby food and diapers and clothes and everything else he needs. I have plenty as well. I want to break the habit of feeling the desire to spend money-to go shopping and impulse buy. Whether it is a new bottle of shampoo or a frozen pizza for dinner because I don't want to cook, its not wise spending and its building the wealth of businesses rather than the wealth of my family. I don't overspend on pricey shoes or designer clothes or electronics or anything, its those random, impulse buys that catch me. I have cupboards full of food that I never make because I give into the impulsive, lazy desire to hit the drive thru or order pizza rather than actually take the time to cook.

Its my desire to be intentional about where my money goes and therefore, keep more money for what is important and lasting rather than random, impulsive, disposable crap.

My plan is to reflect on my progress with this journey here on my blog. I appreciate any support, insights and accountability people choose to offer.

Today, January 2nd, 2010 I have $47.00 in cash and $300 in the bank. Next child support payment should arrive by January 10th or so. Next pay day is January 14th. Daycare is paid for the week, and next week Caleb's dad is supposed to pay. Electric bill is caught up to date. Rent is not...but will be in about a week.

Here's to spending rehab!