Originally Posted by
missjean
My goodness, too much Bah Humbug! Where is that newspaper article for the late 1800’s where the author is complaining how commercial Christmas has become?
I worked retail for 14 years, with the-putting-up-X-mas decorations-in-Oct, the endless X-mas carols, and the nasty people and I said that is not my Christmas.
Christmas is what you make it, and at my house I make it fun, low key, warm, traditional, with a real tree, cookies (even tho I have to make them w/Smart Balance because of the husband's heart issues) and a one Secret Santa gift mandate for the extended family. My sister can be a PITA around the holidays, but I try not to let her get to me. My folks are getting old, and my Mom said this maybe the last Christmas at their house. That makes me sad, but I have already started thinking about what I would do if Christmas ends up at my house.
!
Miiss Jean!! You took my exact words from my fingertips!!!
Of course Christmas changes--we change. I used to play Santa to three little kids and love it. Now I have three young adults who, by their volition, rush to be at home here at Christmas and bring their friends and s.o.s with them and I love it.
I have never stood in line for a specific toy or shopped on Black Friday. My kids won't ever say they suffered as a result of my
decision not let our Christmases be commercialized. All my kids will tell you their favorite day is Christmas EVE. The reason? We all attend Christmas mass together then come home where I host a Christmas open house for all family and friends. Few things make me happier than to see people come back year after year. Everyone one is welcome to share homemade food, Christmas music, games, and the Holiday spirit.
Religion doesn't matter here--I have Muslims, agnostics, and just about every other type of denomination visit every year. Christmas is about love and sharing. Everyone can enjoy that.
I stay up all hours for weeks prior to Christmas getting ready for it. It's not about feeling obligated; I do the baking, the cooking, the decorating, the shopping and wrapping because I love my family and friends and want them to have memories of happy times together.
I look forward to the day when my kids host me at their Christmas parties because I know they will know how to do it properly--with love!
Enjoy the Holidays--we never know how many we'll have! Christmas ROCKS!