A winter storm’s on its way and it looks like we’ll finally be having a white Christmas! I’m off a little early today and thought I’d spend the afternoon making a huge batch of granola to give a way for Christmas. Who doesn’t love granola? It’s an healthy alternative and an unexpected gift from the usual boxes of Christmas chocolates and cookies.
Each Christmas, every other article and blog post complain about how commercialized Christmas has become, how it’s lost it’s true meaning beneath a mountain of gift wrap. Last year, my family of three celebrated our first Christmas together sleeping beneath the tree with lots and lots of presents. I celebrate Christmas for many reasons, one of which are the gifts. I mean really, who doesn’t love presents? I love presents!!
Frugal and minimalist virtues are often held in high esteem. While I agree that it’s important to save and be less wasteful, I think it’s equally important to revel in life’s simple pleasures. Small indulgences, in moderation, aren’t bad. They make me happy and are a reminder that I don’t need the fancy Chanel quilted lambskin clutch or the house with the white picket fence. On what, you ask, do I indulge? These are a few of my favorite things:
A major concern that dissuades parents from travelling with kids is the cost. Travelling with a little one doesn’t need to be difficult, but how much more does it really cost to travel with a baby or toddler? As of now, I can’t speak for older kids, but travelling with a child under two years of age does not add a lot to the costs of travelling.
A couple weeks ago I asked my mum if she could babysit her beloved grandson on the first Saturday of December so I could have a date with my husband. “Sorry,” she said “your father and I are going on a cruise that week”. So then I turned to my brother, “can you babysit?” “Sorry,” he said, “I’m going on the cruise too.” What?! “Your aunt and uncle are going too, by the way”, my mum informed me. WHAT?! Why did no one invite me?! Wanting to feel included, so I joked that I was going too.
Two days later, I had purchased two cruise fares and two airline tickets.