We're In Competition With Charlie Brown

This would be our Christmas tree this year, of which I am pathetically proud. It is just the perfect size for the few ornaments I've collected since my childhood (or the few of Bee's that he hasn't chucked over the years). It is just tall enough to hold a single strand of lights without being overwhelmed by it. And (can you tell?) it was free:

recycled from the ravages of a recent wind storm on the pine tree by our driveway.

Because what's the use of spending forty bucks on a tree this year when we're trying to budget?

My tree perfectly matches my current Life Mission: to not let money stand in the way of celebrating every day. And so our little family has been finding ways to have fun without breaking the bank. We're making homemade carmel corn instead of going out to buy Moose Munch. We spent weeks making gifts for our loved ones instead of purchasing crap (although it remains to be seen if our hand-spun gifts will still be considered crap). Bee and I promised that our main gift to each other this year will be to take some time to be alone together.

So far, I'm really enjoying this holiday season. In the past, I had to squeeze in shopping and baking around a full-time job and mother/wife duties. And that made it harder to enjoy Christmas. This year, it's nice to be relaxed and home, helping Bee make a living when I can, but mostly focusing on being happy and less-stressed. It's reminding me that time spent with my family friends is the most important gift I can get.

Of course, that may be because I'm only seeing my family in short amounts of time, and I'm avoiding those friends that drive me crazy.

But still, the thought is there, right? It's much better to be happy and spread that contentment than to be miserable and spread plastic candleholders from China.

And so, just like some goopy holiday cartoon special, I am finding that I don't need to 'buy' into Christmas to feel it. There is more than one way to make the season merrier and bright.

Eat that, Charlie Brown.