Where are you Christmas??? I love that song in the Grinch movie. To me, it says a lot. The fact that Christmas can tend to be so much about what you got and what you didn't...well, I guess that's the part I've never liked and I refuse to participate it any more.
I love what I do for a living, it has meant for some great conversations and meeting of so many different people. It's through all of these people that I continue to learn and grow as an individual. Part of that is listening to what is important to most, and I must say that I am happy with the shift in what I hear in people. I guess a lot of it could also be that you really do attract what you put out there, so it comes as no surprise that today most people DO warm my heart!
Yes, the commercialism of Christmas has gotten out of hand in today's American Society. The rush to buy buy buy and spend spend spend....we all saw that with Black Friday. Now, I am not condemning any business for trying to make a go in this world, but I want to ask what is it that is important to you. I grew up not liking Christmas once I got into school. I loved the time with family and I honestly couldn't tell you my favorite gift as my memories aren't of things. But I can tell you I didn't like when I returned to school after that Christmas break and was met with the "what did you gets" from friends. As if what someone took the time to purchase and gift to me wasn't good enough. I could not compete with those who had smaller family sizes than I, or parents who made more money than mine...and I was happy with what I had gotten until that moment. It did make me feel like crap and unworthy. Funny how another could control my thoughts like that. Even just a few years ago I hung out with a group that seemed to stress so much on possessions...and I did.not.like.it! It's NOT about things!
We often cave to the expectations of others, of society. A few years ago I made up my mind that I was no longer going to be that person. I wanted to really enjoy the season. Guess what...it happened! I am in love with Christmas again. Yes, I know that the financial strains at this time of year can put great stress on a person, not to say that I don't ever fret about that myself, but I don't let it get in the way of the spirit! I love photo cards, love cookies, love the decorations, love how everyone seems to think of others, yes...that's what makes me happy! Really, a gift under the tree is just an extra.
I was talking with some people the other day and was asked what I was getting my kids for Christmas...I drew a complete blank. Just as with my birthday, we don't need anything. They really haven't complied a list, they really haven't asked for anything and to be honest, they themselves would rather just spend time together than to get something that after a week it gets set aside. In their stockings they do get a new spin toothbrush, usually some gloves, socks and perfume/cologne and chap stick, ya know, the important stuff. Santa, well, he has always brought a little something...such as a school shirt. The gifts from me have been something functional and not too spendy and I usually do a family gift that consists of creating memories, such as a trip at a later date.
You see, we love the baking, the getting together and sharing good food and remember whens. We love doing for others as well; making hot cocoa mix to give to friends, neighbors and the plates of goodies. We also pick a charity of sorts and make our contributions there, whether it's money or helping out. We enjoy opening the mail that isn't a bill or junk and seeing what those we care about have been up to or how the families have grown over the year. We love the silly fun that goes with Christmas, the ugly sweaters, caroling, food, the old ornaments the kids made when there were smaller, the movies...I mean, who cannot laugh at Elf?? Then there are the programs and the gatherings...I mean we should have these types of things all year long!!
I ask that you take this day to reflect, think about what really makes Christmas special to YOU and then BE happy doing just that! IF it is the presents, great; the music, crank it; if it is helping others, wonderful; if it's the food and fellowship, enjoy; decorating a tree or room, awesome!! It's all good and what YOU make of it! Make the most out of this Christmas Season...it IS up to you after all.
Life is good, get on with it, live it LOUD!
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