Can I be honest? It’s been a little difficult for me to get into the Christmas spirit this year. Maybe it’s because we were in Colorado the week of Thanksgiving, busy with interviews . . .
and the beautiful landscape.
Maybe it’s because I had the opportunity to get a sneak peek at my friend Ruth’s newest book and felt a wee bit convicted about all of the stuff that we have and don’t manage that great to begin with. By the way it’s a great read. You’re going to love it. Pre-order it here.
Or maybe I’m just lazy and didn’t want to drag out all of the decor (true story: I just put away the Nativity in September), knowing that it will be such a pain to put away.
And then I read this. And it rocked my world.
But before you call in your secret squad of attack elves because you fear my heart has been overtaken by the Grinch and my girls will have to wear sackcloth at this year’s Christmas program, receiving only sensible shoes as gifts, do know that I put my tree up last night and I started reading the Christmas books we love and a few that are new this year, too.
Soon Queen of Free will be dusted in festive shades of holiday fun, sharing tips and ideas to save you money. I’ll also be posting some of the great bargains I find online so that you can save the most money possible while shopping. But each year (2012, 2013, 2014) I ask a little something of you.
If you find a deal on my site and you don’t have the money to afford it, can you do me a favor? Can you please quietly and quickly snap the laptop shut or “X” out of the browser or open a different app?
You see, I know plenty of you come here because you’re on a journey of paying off debt. Boy, do I know what it feels like to spend more money than what you have in the bank. After all, we had over $127K in debt back in 2008. I also know what it’s like to celebrate Christmas while you sink your heart, soul, and every single blessed penny into the battle of Slaying the Debt Dragon.
In Keep the Happy in Your Holidays: 21 Ways to Save Time, Money, and Your Sanity this Christmas, I included a free printable to center your heart and mind on celebrating what really counts while staying debt free this Christmas. By the way, it’s still free for a limited time on Kindle.
So before all of the bargains roll on to your screen and I lead you down a path that you don’t want to be on, let’s hold tight to our promise. Let’s be content and stay on budget (FREE Christmas budget forms). Let’s breathe in deep the wonder of Christmas without getting caught up in too many extras. Let’s make Christmas cookies and play in the snow. Let’s love someone who isn’t expecting it and bless our family and neighbors.
But let’s do it responsibly. For after all, a gift purchased on credit is a curse and not a blessing. You can do this debt slayers. You can celebrate Christmas and keep your spending on track. It’s worth it. And we’ll both like ourselves more in January for it.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out Inspiration to Pay Off Debt: 30 Days of Encouragement from the Queen of Free
[…] shopping Muggles and Wizards! As usual, be sure to take the Debt Free Christmas Pledge before you buy anything this […]