Last night as I unplugged the tree I couldn’t help but notice how much less was beneath it compared to last year. At this realization, I smiled the whole way up the stairs and while I got ready for bed.
Yep. There are fewer presents beneath my tree this year and I couldn’t be happier. Sure its always fun to see a beautifully decorated tree with colorfully wrapped presents adorned with shiny bows and ribbons cascading out from under. But sometimes those mounds of gifts that may bring joy NOW, bring nothing but stress and misery in the months to follow when the bills come due.
I have known such misery. Maybe you have too. I have heard the scraping sound of the shovel digging deeper into the soil of my hard-earned resources. And I have peered into the hole as it grew deeper and deeper and deeper based on my poor decisions or lack of restraint.
Unlike many, I am fortunate that I have not lost my job or experienced a large financial shifting of any kind. But I am proud to say that the practices and wisdom of people like my mother and Lee—being my polar opposites when it comes to financial discipline and discernment—have begun rubbing off on me. The encouragement from my father to make smarter choices has helped as well. I am truly seeing the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel! And it feels both peaceful and exhilarating!
Fewer packages beneath the tree means I did not overextend myself by buying things I can’t afford or borrowing from my future to pay for my “present.” The people I love will still receive gifts from me, just not quite as much. Since when does the amount you spend reflect the amount of love you feel for someone? Since always I suppose. Since we’ve learned to worship the almighty dollar and ALL the “things” it can garner us… if only we had MORE.
I like having things and taking trips and spending money. In fact, I LOVE IT. A little too much. And just like everyone else… I want more. But I have to ask myself: How much more is enough? When does more cease being more if it comes at such great a price?
It has taken me almost 37 years, but I think I finally understand how less may actually be more. In learning to love the having of less… we make room in our lives for the enjoyment of financial freedom, peace of mind and so much more.
Woman In Thrisis 
Less really is more. There’s a priceless peace that comes from giving from the heart instead of the wallet.
Well said. Peace of mind…priceless.
Great post. It is really easy to go overboard. I’m actually making a bunch of presents this year, which is new and has been kind of fun.
Thank you!! 🙂 I’m glad you liked it. That’s great that you are making a lot of your gifts! What are you making??
I made my cousin’s kids some fleece finger puppets and then I made my husband some cufflinks. (He wears them every day to work.) It all turned out very nicely. I’m happy with the result.
That’s cool! Good for you! 🙂 I’m sure they will all love them!
Great timing. I was getting a little carried away with myself about gifts for my nieces and nephews. Thanks for giving me the equivalent to a slap across my face while saying, “Snap out of it!” (Think Cher in the movie Moonstruck.)
hahahaha! I’m glad I could smack some sense into you then 😉 Also, I love that you loved the tree trash recepticle… Let me know how that workds our for you and your sis!
Over the past 3 years I have learned that it is more about the experiences than amassing STUFF that we really do not need! Like you said less is truly more. I want to slow down and really spend quality time with my other half, my family and my friends. I have learned the word “NO” and by saying it I do not overextend or overspend – ha! Have a Great Weekend:)
Hi Joanna, I couldn’t agree with you more….err I mean I agree a lot 😀 When I moved to Europe we sold or gave away pretty much everything we owned. This was an exhilarating feeling as having very little allowed us so much freedom. Since then It has changed our life, even now most of what we have was either given or loaned to us so in the event we decide to pick up and leave the move will be so much easier this time.
In regard to my posts I looked into it and for the life of me can not figure out why you would not be notified when I post something new. Maybe it’s a wordpress glitch?
There seems to be such an overabundance of really great stuff to lure us into wanting to buy it. What would the pioneers think if they saw all of the stuff that most of us have? I have been feeling overwhelmed lately by all of the stuff. And we sure don’t keep up with the Jones.