This year, Ariana divided her Christmas list into “Needs” and “Wants.”

Being the frugal little soul that she is, there was only one item in each column. (Uncle David would be SO proud).

Need–a belt

Want–string

The belt, I understood.

But string??? When pressed for an explanation, she indicated that it would be really handy if she had her own own supply of string for when she wanted to do an art project or science experiment.  Currently, she has to ask to use Mom’s string, and sometimes Mom doesn’t want to share the string.

This is the kid that received a $15 Target gift card for her birthday back in August, and in her thank you note to her friend, she penned, “Thank you for the gift card.  I’ll be sure to use it wisely.”

Use it wisely? She’s 9 years old, for heaven’s sake.  And each time she tries to bring herself to use the gift card, she changes her mind because she can’t bear to part with the money.

Part of me is grateful for a child that is so fiscally responsible and unselfish; but part of me is worried that someone is going to get wind of her meager Christmas list and erroneously make us their Secret Santa project.

Ariana has the gift … the gift of being simple and amazingly untouched by worldly things.

I love this song and the beautiful sentiments it expresses. It epitomizes Ariana:
[audio:http://tolberts.org/lori/Audio/simplegifts.mp3]