Tree or not to Tree

This Christmas definitely snuck up on me.  I guess with Mason being born at the beginning of the month and my mom being here and all of the things going on, I didn't realize how close Christmas was approaching and here I am writing this blog on the 22nd, with only a few short days away.    When we lived in India, we didn't really ever decorate for christmas just because not many people where we lived did, and we weren't really sure how to explain why we put a tree up and some of the other things,  and most of the winters we were gone, either visiting family at home, or in Thailand for the birth of Judah.  So this year, we find ourselves in a city where there are Christmas decorations all around, and I have wanted to decorate, but just haven't found the time or resources to do so.  So it is a strange thing,  I have found myself going back and forth struggling with not putting up all the decorations.  Should I just go and splurge and get a fake tree that is going to cost me almost $50, to have it up for just a few days and then have to put it up in a few days.  And then knowing that we have rent coming due, and we have to leave the country at the end of the month to renew our visa.  Are we going to have enough money to do it all?  Ok, maybe I can do without the tree.  Although at the same time it has helped me to think through what is really important this holiday season.  It truly is a wonderful time of the year to get together with family and friends, and sing carols, and make cookies....but thinking about the real meaning and asking myself, "why do we put up a tree?"  "What is the meaning of the stockings, or where did that tradition ever come in?"  And what is the real meaning behind Christmas?  The fact that a baby was born, not just any baby, but God in the form of a helpless little newborn.  To give the greatest gift ever!  So Mike and I have talked about how we want our boys to not just see all the fun stuff, but to really know that we are celebrating a great gift.  One that will last for eternity!  That is our hope and prayer!

So, although there are no decorations up at our house this year, I will hopefully find some stuff on sale after this holiday season and save for next year, and not let it catch me off guard.  And although we want to keep some of the traditions that make Christmas what it is, we don't want to get lost in the shopping and hustle and bustle of the season,  but give and teach our boys to give in the spirit of the season... and hopefully share the greatest gift anyone can receive!