The 2nd Day of Christmas with Summer Saldana–Le Musings of Moi

Welcome to the 7th annual 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways!!!

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12 Days.

12 friends guest posting sharing a Christmas idea, recipe or favorite with you.

12 great giveaways for you to enter along with one GRAND PRIZE for someone who comments to enter all 12 days!!

And on this Day 2 of Christmas, please help me welcome the Sensational Summer Saldana of Le Musings of Moi.

6710696437_3575fa438e-2Summer is one of those women who certainly isn’t trying to hide anything — except maybe what is behind her beloved bangs. She is refreshingly open about her mommy meltdowns (she has 2 children, but one is strong willed, so it’s more like 4), her faith, and her obsession with thrift store shopping and makeup/skincare hauls.

But, whether it’s through writing, speaking, or leading her youth group girls, Summer’s greatest passion is connecting with others. And she does this by being open and honest, all while trying to find the humor and lesson in it all. Connect with Summer Saldana on her Blog or on You Tube.

Gratitude

It was a few years ago in Christmas Past that my husband and I excitedly put together one of the grandest Christmas’ our kids had ever seen. We thought a lot, spent a lot, got a lot, and felt blessed that we were actually able to do so much for them. And as we wrapped each of the gifts, we could barely stand the anticipation of seeing our children’s smiles and joy on Christmas morning.

Yet when Christmas morning came, we sat in a stunned silence as we watched our 6 year old son quickly tear through a mountain of presents in what seemed like 30 seconds, and then solemnly look around and ask, “So, that’s it? But I wanted…”

We couldn’t believe what we were witnessing!

We had been so thoughtful with our gifts and had spent so much time and money to give them all they could want or need, and instead of being grateful, they were left with a feeling of dissatifaction and unfulfilled wants.

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Not quite the smiles and joy we had hoped for.

And so that day, we knew things needed to be different for our family. It was a wake up call not only that our son had gotten it wrong, but even more so, that my husband and I had.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the wants and the “gimmee gimmee’s” that the Holiday Season can bring. So easy. Like, every other day I have to check my own self before I wreck my own self. That easy.

And if I find that the struggle is that real in my own heart, how much more so will it be in the hearts of our little ones?

So, we made a change. We shifted our focus from what we want, instead to what we have to be thankful for. And we brought the excess of presents down to three or four per child, with a budget for the total amount set.

And instead of presents we focus on traditions.

Reading and reflecting on the real reason we celebrate Christmas.

Thinking of ways to bless others around us.

Listening to Christmas Music.

Building Gingerbread Houses.

Watching Christmas Movies.

Getting hot cocoa or cider and heading out to look at all the Christmas lights around town.

And when Christmas morning comes, they know what to expect. They know how many and how much. And before anything…we pray and we reflect on the story of Jesus.

And we are grateful.

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Today’s Giveaway:

Summer wants to help you to capture all of the things that you are grateful for, so she is generously giving away this beautiful  Gratitude Journal by Catherine Price.

To enter for a chance to win, simply enter a comment on today’s post sharing what you are grateful for today.

Don’t forget to come back for all 12 days! {And remember, if you comment on all 12 posts, you might win the Grand Prize!}

274 Comments

  1. I am grateful for being the person God created me to be, and a Savior that knew my human frailties would keep me from God, and so he came to save me. So very thankful for my family – quirks, joys, grumpy, happy – just being themselves!

  2. I’m grateful for a few days at the beach to get away and rest after a stressful season with my dad dying.

  3. I’m grateful for a wonderful husband and 2 lively children. I’m grateful for the freedom that the brave men and women of our Armed Forces provide us. Most of all I am grateful for a savior who doesn’t treat me as my sins deserve.

  4. I’m thankful for so many things, mainly the basic necessities that can be taken for granted, like shelter, reliable heat, a comfortable bed, warm clothes, clean water, food on the table, relative safety… When I realize how many people are lacking in those areas, I don’t need a lot of extra things. I’m very happy where God has placed me in this season of my life. I wish I could have my school bill paid off so I can go back and finish getting my degree, but even then, I’m thankful I serve a God who provides.

  5. I am so grateful for the salvation I have in Jesus and for how He blessed my life with a wonderful husband and 3 kids! THANK YOU, LORD!!!

  6. I am grateful to know the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and the great gift of Salvation through Jesus. I’m also grateful for all the blessings and protections the Lord has given to me, my loved ones and friends.

  7. I am grateful that we are trying to be intentional with both Christmas activities and gifts, being sure to focus on the true reason for Christmas. We are working with our children on recognizing true needs of others.

  8. I love this! Our family has also experienced this phenomenon, how the more presents children receive, the less thankful they become. And you’re right, in the culture that we are surrounded by, we need frequent reminders to make it be different. Thank you for the timely reminder to make it be different, and better, again this year. Blessings to you and your family!

  9. I have so very much to be thankful for! But the past few days especially I’m so incredibly thankful for God’s love and mercy. I’m so undeserving of it, but oh so in need of it.

  10. I am very grateful for God’s love and forgiveness during this time in my life. I am also very grateful for my family.

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