Being Poor, Feeling Blessed

This holiday season we celebrated Yule in our own way, and Willow went to a birthday party for a friend of hers that is 4 years old....Willow is 5 now. This Christmas is very tough. I don't have any income, and we are struggling with house payments. I feel awful for only having one big-(ish) item for Willow. I got her an easy bake oven and an extra pack of whoopie pie mix. That's what she wanted. I got some candy for stocking stuffers and $11 worth of mostly art supplies from the Dollar Tree.

My significant other gave her two angry bird plush toys, one makes sounds, and a couple stocking stuffers. He is spending the holidays in his home country, and I miss him dearly.

I just feel like I wish I could have done more, but I know that family will be giving her gifts on Christmas Eve when we all get together. I also know that Christmas morning Santa will have a bike and helmet waiting at her grandparent's house! I believe it has the Disney character from the movie Brave on it. One of our all time favorites. I just hope she isn't disappointed by what's under our tree.

My heart sinks a little.

When I think about this self pity, I get mad at myself. There are people out there that literally have NOTHING. People are struggling all over the world and I am blessed enough to have this laptop in front one and a warm kitchen to sit in as I type. I have enough food to fill my belly today and tomorrow, and clean water to drink. My eyes tear up, and I am so very thankful for this. Even with all of my problems I know there is a greater power watching over me, and guiding me. I realize my life will always be difficult, but I have more than a lot of people if you think globally.

I am so very blessed...even if we only have a couple presents under our Charlie Brown tree.
(See that HERE).

~Amanda Star~

Our Yule Tree, 2013

We are having an extremely low income holiday season! I wasn't going to live without a tree, so I went outside and pulled a big branch from the burn pile. Chris and I put it in a bucket filled with gravel, strung it with lights, Willow and I decorated it, and I put a silver tree skirt over the bucket portion. Weirdest tree I have ever had! ...but it's ours, and it's fun and colorful. Willow is thoroughly impressed. That's what really matters...her being happy and families doing things together. I know it's totally weird, but it was done with love. The things we do to get through tough times...

When Chris's grandmother passed away, just recently, we inherited this beautiful creation. It's made with all kinds of brooches and other pieces of jewelry. It has lights that actually work (I was surprised) and I am very proud to be displaying something like this in our home. So I guess we are blessed with two non-traditional trees!

I hope your Yule is wonderful, no matter how much money you have. There are always ways to get by...

~Amanda Star~