What does that mean? Simple Christmas is purchasing only what you can afford in cash and not feeling bad any of the rest.
Music industry money is sporadic for many. It ebbs and flows. Marvin has a couple of dates this month, and what he makes is what we're spending, period, even though he has a full-time sound engineer position.
We haven't gone into debt for Christmas in over 15 years. Because on the other side of Christmas is a new year with the same monthly bills and obligations. It will be very unwise for us to overextend ourselves unnecessarily. The Bible says, only a fool spends all he has.
It never ceases to amaze me how God always makes a way for us during this time of year. He'll get a call to record on this album, or that album (which he can do from home), play for a Live Recording, etc. Even in that, we still simply spend what we've allotted. I believe every year that God will provide the work which translates into the money we spend on the girls and others during the holidays.
I stopped feeling bad years ago about what I could and could not do because of the sporadic income of the music industry. We're able to do so much more than we used to, however, I'm not a big spender and really don't like shopping.
Perhaps some of the money your husband is making this month is just enough for the bills and you may not have enough to do what you desire. Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season, first and foremost and anything else should be done, simply.
I've been married a little over a year and I find the adjustment of being married to a musician a real challenge for me. Once being able to extravagantly do things for others, this Christmas, I find that I must simplify things. I must admit that this isn't completely easy for me, and I now realize that its a learning stage for me: that its the simple things that stand out the most! Thanks so much for the encoragement!
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