I can barely believe it–Christmas is right around the corner. I’m excited. I’m nervous. Mostly, I am contented. Contented for the first time in years around the holiday season.
You’ve heard of those that have a difficult time once Thanksgiving rolls around and who feel depressed until New Years. I am one of those people. Feeling that way began for me in my teen years when my mother and stepfather divorced and continued, even worsening, as I found myself living with other families until I went to college.
As a wife and then quickly a mom, I’ve tried to overcome my “holiday depression” by attempting to make the holidays grander and bigger than life. I’d cook a Thanksgiving meal for fifteen when there was only two adults. I’d load the Christmas tree with presents for fifty when there were only three kids, thinking that by doing so it would make me feel happier.
In fact, I’d even beg my husband to deck our gutters and trees and chimney with lights. Wait. I still beg him to deck the house with lights.
That’s when I discovered this year that I don’t have to go all out to make myself feel better. I don’t have to spend a fortune to make myself or my family happy. No, there’s nothing wrong with making everything merry and bright–however that is not the only thing that makes the season the season. What makes the season merry and bright is my attitude towards it: I can be miserable and angry and depressed over my past or I can live in the present and make the most of it now. I am what I make of myself.
So my husband and I decided to purchase or make each of our three children one special present and give them a few smaller less expensive presents to fill their stockings.
*My oldest is getting a new bicycle from Walmart.
*My middle child is getting a Craigslist violin.
*My youngest is getting a wooden block set we made for him. Really, he deserves coal. Especially after he ding-dong-ditched the violin lady’s door.
We’re filling their stockings with toys and books from the Dollar Store.
Because you know what? Christmas isn’t about how many toys and gadgets we receive. Christmas isn’t about who can outdo who. The season isn’t about how much you can eat. Well, maybe a little about how much you can eat. The season is magical because we make it magical.
The best part: My kids ain’t gonna break their presents in ten minutes this year. Well, maybe the Dollar Store presents, but I think I can deal with that.
PS: Santa comes to our neighborhood on the back of firetruck. How does he get to yours? Please don’t tell me he still uses those lame reindeer.
PPS: I totally have a crush on this dude:
