I still have my first doll. Actually, it’s the only doll I’ve ever owned and it’s possibly stood the test of time because I didn’t play with it much. Why would you play with a doll when there was always a real live baby in the house to play with?

I got it for Christmas when I was a pre-schooler. I don’t remember actually ‘getting’ it but I know that it was a Christmas present.

When I think back through all those Christmas festivities in my life, I can’t remember too much about the gifts I received. But I do remember the games we played with the family members that visited.

As we grew older our games became a little more sophisticated and the laughter became louder.

There was no shortage of food and we always ate too much. As a kid, I always wondered why the adults always had to have a nap after dinner. As an adult, I’ve discovered the reason why.

They were happy times and my memories are filled with love and laughter. With all the emphasis that’s put onto gift buying these days, you’d think that I’d remember everything I got and who gave it to me. But I just simply don’t.

I remember the good times but I can’t remember the gifts.

Sometimes I think we’ve all forgotten that  the best Christmas memories are about people and events – the size and cost of the gifts are insignificant.

©   Carmel McCartin – Budget Bitch

And don’t forget – (The views expressed in this blog are the personal opinions of the author. Don’t rely on them to make financial decisions; you have to make up your own mind. If you don’t like the content – then either stop reading or send me an email)