HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!!
I am happy to say that this holiday season has snuck up on me. I’m usually the one who is making lists for Christmas gifts in October, buying holiday decorations the day after Halloween, and stressing over which Santa (or how many) to take the kids to see. I fill my holiday calendar early so that I don’t miss out on that perfect cookie decorating party or ornament making event with the kids. My intentions are always good. I just want to create memories of the holidays like I had growing up.
I did say that “I am happy to say that the holiday season has snuck up on me” didn’t I? Yes, by that I mean that, instead of feeling stressed about being behind on my planning this season, I sort of feel a sense of relief that nothing is planned. I’m not going to over plan this year. In reality, when I think of my own Christmas memories, it’s about the peace I felt in my house around the holidays. The sense of family, the time for gratitude and love to be the center of attention, not the decorations or gifts or multiple Santa sitings. I remember the same decorations that my Mom put out in the same places year after year, not the newest talking, singing, noisy rockin’ Santa doll. I remember my Mom baking cookies and my sister and I joining in when we wanted to lick the bowl or spread some frosting on a sugar cookie snowman. We didn’t need to go to a special cookie making event.
I think some years I still may go “all out” with gifts, events, and such, but this year I will take just a little more time each day to tell my children what Christmas is really about. I will tell them how much I love them and why each of them is special to me. I will focus on the joy of living each day with the crying, laughing, screaming, hitting, hugging, loving, napping, and sparkle in their eyes. For those who can do all of this AND all of the other “things” too, I’m a little jealous. Maybe next year I’ll be there!
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I completely agree. The holiday season can be crazy. The little moments mean a lot. We have no idea what our little ones will remember when they grow up about the holiday season, but I hope that it will be the special time spent together and the family traditions that we create.