Today, Ray came home for lunch. This is nothing out of the ordinary…although I was a little embarrassed that he came home for lunch and witnessed me laying on the couch watching Toddlers and Tiaras. In my defense, I took advantage of “nap time” today by trying to take one myself…and hey, it’s quite easy to fall asleep during that show.
Anyway, he stood behind me and said, “Ok, so I wanted to save this for Christmas, but…”
Sigh…I’ve heard this many times before. Typically Ray and I try not to spend a whole lot of money on each other for Christmas. I would much rather spend it on the kids because we have a very tight budget. Anyway, there has been many years (I should have learned by now) that we decide not to get gifts for one another. One year, I had nothing for Ray. I didn’t even put anything in his stocking (I’ll blame Santa for that one)…and he got me a phone. But, my favorite is the year when we were still just dating and Ray was on the UNC cycling team. Again, that year we said we weren’t going to spend any money on each other! But I thought to myself, I’m going to surprise him this year and get him a gift! So I did. I got him socks and arm warmers (for cycling…I know). I was so excited to finally surprise him with a gift…when what did my wandering eyes did appear…AN ENGAGEMENT RING! Yeah, arm warmers were my gift to him. Arm warmers. That Christmas my heart was so warm, and well…Ray’s arms were warm.
So, as you can see, today when I found out Ray got me a gift I was a little nervous. I know that there is still 2 weeks before Christmas, but again, we weren’t doing gifts this year. He held a box out in front of me and said, “This is to symbolize all of the Charlie Brown Christmases that we have spent together, yet you still love me. Because…it just needs a little love”. He did it again. This could be one of the most meaningful gifts that I have ever received.
That’s what I love about Christmas. For us, it has never been about wanting or even expecting a gift from each other. What it has always been about is love. Spending time together as a family, and reflecting on all that we do have…not on what we don’t.
So, if you’re stressed out this Christmas season…just remember “It just needs a little love”.
mrsmomdragon 
Love this! You guys are so sweet!
Very sweet!