Merry Christmas

Christmas is almost upon us. We will be taking a little break in Oregon. A few days with family and a few days away from the farm. As much as I love the daily chores, it is nice to get a break from milking the goats in the cold and dark.

Little Russell is growing like a weed. He is becoming more and more alert and socially present. What a blessing in our lives. Life is an amazing thing.

We'll be trying to do $100 Christmas this year. The general concept is to opt out of the consumerism of Christmas by only spending $100 during the season. We will not be going to Disneyland. We will not be spending $500 at Macy's...or Walmart...or anywhere else for that matter. We will be giving homemade gifts or inexpensive books. We will be giving our children a small gift and a coupon book filled with coupons for "one free back rub" or "one free day off of homeschool."

Now, of course, the gasoline to Oregon to visit family will be about $100 so we will break the hundred dollar mark by a little bit, but the spirit is there. And that is really the key isn't it. To approach the holidays with a consciously spiritual attitude. Christmas is NOT YOUR BIRTHDAY. Gifts occupy an intentionally small part of our celebration. We are trying to focus more on Love, and Service, and Family, and Worship.

As a result, we are not dreading the Christmas season as something to "get though". We are not worrying about paying off the Visa bill or giving gifts that are more extravagant than what the neighbor's kids are getting. We are not worried about surviving holiday office parties. We are not fighting the crowds at the stores. We are simply spending some time together as a family.

I hope this season finds you well. Blessed be.