The 2nd Day of Christmas with Summer Saldana–Le Musings of Moi
Welcome to the 7th annual 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways!!!
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.
Summer 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.
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.
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!}
I’m always grateful for my kids even the adult ones that try my soul sometimes. Blessed to have prayer warrior friends who have my back and are so very encouraging. Blessed that (though we as a church body are still in the ‘get to know you’ stage ) we have a newish pastor who is desiring us to grow spiritually before we worry about growing in numbers.
just blessed even in the rough spots.
What a great giveaway! And what a great (though convicting) post. :-)
I am grateful for my kids bio moms for choosing life. Without them I would not have the 5 blessings I have.
I am thankful that God has worked in my children’s lives to develop them into wonderful young adults who love Him & are willing to serve Him no matter what. And He did it despite my & my husband’s weaknesses & failures as their parents!
There is so much to be grateful for!! Often easy to take for granted. This year I am especially grateful for family members who are here to celebrate with–this year was a wake up call that things can change quickly.
I’m grateful for my family, friends and mostly for Gods grace and mercy!
I’m thankful for all the Christmas traditions my husband & I have brought into our family and for those we have created together!
I am thankful for friends and family.
Love this!
I am grateful for family and friends, health and happiness, to live in the USA and for a warm comfortable home. My three children and husband make me feel blessed every day. I am also grateful for the womenlivingwell blog, Peak313 and Karen’s wonderful books..I discovered these wonderful resources last year through Clare and they brighten my day.
Grateful for the blessing of being married to an amazing man for almost 29 years before he passed on, and the gifts of our two sons who remind me so much of him.
I am grateful that my sins have been forgiven.
Grateful for life…..no matter the circumstances! Thank You Lord!
My own gratitude journal is my sanity saver. During this holiday season, many, many of my entries center on sharing the joy of the Christmas Season with my precious 6 year old son.
I am grateful for the laughter of and hugs from my 4yo grandson. He lights up my life.
Husband, family, home, health, work. God is good.
I love this phrase in your post “I have to check myself so I don’t wreck myself” ultimately, we are the ones, the moms and wives, who set the tone and focus of our family. If we put our focus on the true meaning of Christmas with our attitude and activities our families will be more relaxed and focused properly too. Thank you so much for sharing!
I am thankful for Jesus and a loving God who are with me daily, helping with struggles in my life and giving me many blessings as well. I am also thankful for a loving husband who I can count on for anything…even if it’s just a hug! I am truly blessed with so many friends both at home and online. and we are blessed with so many wonderful people that share God’s love through their online blogs & websites….Thank you for sharing and encouraging one another!
I’m grateful to be OK.
I am grateful for this magical season, my wonderful family, my home, and my Savior who loves me in spite of myself!
I’m very thankful for the glimpses God shares with me of Himself.
I’m very thankful for the glimpses God shares with me of Himself as well as my family.
I am so thankful for God’s faithfulness especially on those days that I am less than faithful or struggling to hold on to my sliver of faith.
I love all the focus on gratitude lately. Being grateful makes everyday better and I am sure a grateful attitude will make this season special. Thank you for your wise words.
I am grateful for good health and my FAMILY…..
and for Jesus !!
I am grateful for our garage to keep me a little warmer & out of the rain today! :)