Are you a generic or brand name girl? About 90% of the time, I am a generic girl. If you live by a budget and get more excited about the cost savings than the name on the tag, you might just be a generic girl too! I am also a goal-oriented person, so when I set out to make something happen, I am determined to make it happen. One of the recurring goals in our household is staying on (or under) budget. Because of this goal, generic products have become our very dear friend. I have a little celebration anytime we come in under budget. I say “I” because, although my husband does enjoy coming in under budget, he doesn’t get nearly as excited as I do. Over the years, I have noticed that I get really excited about things that others might deem as trivial. Having $20 left over in the budget at the end of the pay period isn’t just $20 left over, it means we exceeded the goal! Anytime a goal is obtained or exceeded, that is a cause for celebration, right?
Now, while I am very cost conscious, there are just some things that shouldn’t be compromised. Let me give you a few; make-up remover pads, paper towels, sour cream and toilet paper. I just realized last week that it is worth the few extra cents to get some make-up remover pads that didn’t feel like sandpaper on my skin. I am totally hooked on Viva paper towels because I get to choose the size of my towel..everytime I tear a sheet. I love choices! There is seriously nothing like a dollop of Daisy. Trust me, I have tried a dollop of a generic brand, and I am pretty sure it wasn’t sour cream. Last but certainly not least, toilet paper. If I had to choose just one product I could buy for my home that wouldn’t be generic, I am pretty sure it would be toilet paper. There are just some things you shouldn’t skimp on.
Like me, you probably have those items that you are ok with buying generic, but others that you want brand name at any cost. I’d like to suggest that we don’t settle for the generic brand of Christmas. Jesus IS the reason for this season. Without his birth, Christmas doesn’t exist. Without Him, all the decorations, gifts, shopping and gaudy sweaters are just a generic version of the real thing. The problem with this generic version is that it isn’t anything like the real thing. Society has a way of dressing it up in a nice package to appear similar to the real thing, but that is a lie. There is absolutely no substitute for that sweet baby Jesus born in a manger that first Christmas day. If we be still for a moment and think about how we might be portraying Christmas to our kids, we might find we are encouraging them to accept the generic version. It is so easy to do, especially with all the emphasis that society puts on the presents under the tree..or tucked in hiding places all over the house that we can’t seem to find when it’s time to wrap them. (This seems to happen to me every year.)
This Christmas, let’s not settle for the generic version. There are just some things that weren’t meant to have a form of generic. Girlfriends, this is one of them!
May you and your family celebrate this Christmas the way it was meant to be celebrated…with the brand NAME in mind – JESUS.
So true! Generic is ok for somethings, but when it comes to others forget it! My list is about the same as yours. I also believe that the hustle and bustle of commercial Christmas is not acceptable! Christmas is a time of celebrating the most amazing gift we have ever received. God gave his only son to provide salvation for the world! Giving and remembering this is what makes my heart sing! God Bless and Keep You !
I know exactly what you mean by “makes my heart sing”! How could that sacrafice not?
Great Post!