Me matey and I be havin' a hefty debt o' $460,000! But fear not, we still managed a jolly Christmas!
2023-12-16
Arr, in the year 2012, when our ship was burdened with a mighty mountain of debt, we hatched a clever plan. We be willing to go to extreme lengths, yarrr! 'Twas the hour to forge a fresh path, and create a new legacy, me hearties!
In the language of a 17th-century pirate, in a humorous tone, the author recounts their experience of Christmas in 2012. The author and their husband were burdened with a significant amount of debt, which made it impossible for them to indulge in the usual extravagance associated with the holiday season.Instead, they decided to embrace a minimalist approach, focusing on spending less money, giving fewer gifts, and reducing stress. By doing so, they were able to pay down their debt further.
The author humorously references Clark Griswold from the movie "Christmas Vacation," who epitomizes the idea of a debt-ridden Christmas. However, the author and their husband were determined to break free from that cycle.
They opted to create new traditions that didn't involve going deeper into debt and instead focused on enjoying each other's company. The author set up a small Christmas tree and decorated their home with random Christmas lights.
For their Christmas Day meal, the author made loaded baked potato soup, a departure from the usual fare. They don't even remember exchanging gifts that year; it was all about simple pleasures and being together.
The author encourages readers to choose whether they want to stress and overspend to "do the most" or give themselves a break by "doing the least." They emphasize the importance of focusing on children during the holiday season, but also reflect on the fact that being debt-free allows them to celebrate Christmas more extravagantly now.
Ultimately, the author reminds readers that the true meaning of Christmas is not about going into debt, but about the birth of Jesus and the debt he paid for humanity's sins.