Dear Kids,
Christmas Truth Time =
I don't do Christmas cards. Why? Because I was standing over a table full of cards (about 5 years ago) and I started crying because I had no idea how to get all the addresses of people that I was 'supposed' to send cards to for them to be on time. I asked myself, "Am I sending these cards because I am 'supposed' to? Or because I really want to?"
I had my answer. I was doing it out of social pressure. So I quit.
I don't do fancy neighbor gifts. There have been many seasons when I have slaved over making gifts that were so cute, so creative, so imaginative. A couple Christmas's ago I had a friend give me a simple chocolate orange with a heart felt letter. Her words meant more to me than anything she could have made.
I had my answer. No more fancy things that people won't remember who it came from. Now I do simple, as simple as possible (chocolate oranges are my favorite) and I give VERY sincere hugs and words with it.
I don't do hustle and bustle of shopping. I go to stores and do my shopping at 10pm once, maybe twice, and get it all done in a big spree. I don't do guilt of what I am 'supposed' to be doing at Christmas. I don't decorate every room. I don't do crazy fancy things counting down. I don't do every Christmas party.
I do sing Christmas carols with you every night, accapella, while we snuggle. I do read one Christmas story every night before bed. I do leave surprises from "Candy Cane Charlie" (our elf - but only little surprises like a pez dispenser with a note that says, "You are amazing, love CCC"). I do talk about Christ while we sit and look at our tree. I do let you watch a Christmas movie everyday. I do service for one family we choose each year. I do LOVE watching bright eyes on Christmas morning.
In our home, I have vowed to not allow myself to be crazy this time of year. If I don't feel like doing something, I don't. If I feel like I am "supposed" to do something, I don't. If I feel a sincere desire and burning in my heart to go talk to my neighbor and give them a Christmas hug, I do. If I feel a sincere desire to make fun cookies, I do. If I feel a sincere desire to hang out in my pajamas all day, I do. December is for our family to be closer and for the rest of the world to fade away.
That is the Christmas Truth in our home.
I love you,
Your Mom
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