Merry Christmas! I hope you have a joyful, peaceful time spent with those you love most.
Our team will be offline this weekend to spend time with their families on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We’ll be back here on December 26th to resume our regular scheduling and continue bringing you the best deals!
We are SO excited about 2024 and have some really fun surprises in store for you!! Stay tuned!
Psst! Still need last minute Christmas ideas? Check out our Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide for 15+ Easy DIY Gifts with Printable Gift Tags!
A personal message from Crystal:
I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for being here. For your encouraging comments. For sharing this site with your friends. For using our links to purchase deals. For being part of our community on social media.
Even if you never purchase a deal through our links, just by showing up here, it makes a huge difference. Through the income made from the blog (affiliate links, sponsorship, and sidebar advertising) we’re able to give generously to causes locally and globally — including helping vulnerable children in South Africa, partnering with organizations that are fighting against human trafficking, and supporting organizations that are serving families who have children with special needs and children in foster care.
The opportunity to give generously as a result of this blog is one of the parts of what I do that I’m the most passionate about. And we wouldn’t be able to do it if it weren’t for you showing up here. So thank you from the bottom of my heart!
I hope your Christmas season is special, even if life might look very different than you had planned, expected, or hoped.
If Christmas is hard this year…
I keep thinking of the many for whom Christmas is just bittersweet… or maybe plain sad.
I think of the kids in foster care who are separated from their parents and families this year.
I think of the women who have written me about losing their husbands this year.
I think of the unmarried followers who thought surely they’d be sharing this Christmas with a special someone.
I think of the families who are struggling financially who couldn’t really afford to do much for Christmas this year.
I think of the moms who lost babies this year and the women who so desperately wish for a healthy pregnancy.
I think of the couples whose marriages are on the brink of divorce or the heartbroken person whose spouse walked out on them this year for someone or something else.
I think of the families with estranged loved ones who would give anything to get to celebrate with them this year — or even to just hear something from them.
I think of those undergoing chemo, those waiting for a difficult diagnosis, those who are in chronic pain, those caring for a loved one who is dying.
I just want you to know that if you are struggling with sadness or heartache or disappointment this Christmas, I see you. And I’m pausing to remember you, to hurt for you, and to pray for you. You are not forgotten.
And if you are having a wonderful Christmas season, I’m thrilled for you! But please remember to look around and show some extra love and kindness toward those for whom Christmas feels anything like the, “most wonderful time of the year.” The world could use a lot more kindness, empathy, and compassion.
Sarah says
Crystal, I love that you posted this. I have been following your blog for years – not just for the money saving tips, but just the way you present your knowledge, you are a real person with a real family and I truly believe you when you say “I see you”. Have a wonderful Christmas with your family!
Crystal Paine says
I’m so grateful this encouraged you AND I’m so grateful you are here! Thank you!
Darcie says
Thank you for your blog! I’ve been following you for at least 14years and I’m thankful for your money saving ideas, but mostly your real life advice and encouragement!
Crystal Paine says
Thank you for your encouragement and for being here for so long!
Kimberly says
Thank you so so so much, Crystal!
I am one of those whose husband felt the need to abandon me this year, and it still doesn’t make sense—we didn’t even have any marriage problems. Never 26 years with my Best Friend.
He contracted Cancer from that Cmp Lejeune fiasco – – where the dry cleaner next door was pumping all its chemicals into the base’s water supply. And the kind of Cancer he got can never be cured, so he’s been in chemo almost nonstop since January 2019.
And it changed his brain. He’s not the man I married at all. That person is gone. But got the divorce he wanted. Not me—I did everything possible to fight for our marriage.
God is really helping me, though. I’m so glad He showed me several months before that the verse that He will be my husband. And I see that every day! Multiple times a day! Praise His Name, Amen?!
Can’t thank you enough for saying you see me. I burst into tears when I read that, because so few people “get it.”
Kitty says
Praying for you right now, Kimberly!
Kimberly says
Thank you so much, Kitty!!
Kate says
I’m praying for you too. May God continue to bless you! I wish I could give you a great big hug.
Kimberly says
Means a LOT to me, Kate!
Crystal Paine says
I’m so, so sorry you are walking through such a difficult season of heartbreak and heartache. I just stopped and prayed for you.
Kimberly says
Sure appreciate your kindness and praying, Crystal!
Sharlene says
Merry Christmas and a happy and blessed new year to you and your family.
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so much for being here!
Ann says
My adult son has cut us out of his life. He borrowed a lot of money from us and doesn’t want to pay us back so he has cut all contact. Please pray that we learn to live with his decision.
Crystal Paine says
I just stopped and prayed for you and your son.
Kimberly says
Ann, I’m also gonna pray for what you’ve asked.
Cyberhug!!!