I'm not a big fan of Christmas any longer. It's over commercialized, over priced, and quite frankly over rated. There is no "real meaning of Christmas". Those people that say those words are blowing smoke out of their nether-regions. They're just like everyone else, trying to figure out who to buy for, who they don't dare leave out, gifts for the family, friends, co-workers, church people, even random office parties that require a gift exchange. There are treats to be made for neighbors. Let's be honest ... Some of those neighbors don't even like us. How about the expense of stockings and all the crap that goes into them? Stamps for the Christmas cards? I said it once, I'll say it again...BAH HUMBUG.
Except...
I DO like candy canes, hot chocolate and new jammies. I thoroughly enjoy seeing the little ones lined up to see Santa and to see their little faces filled with excitement over seeing THE MAN. I love the anticipation that is in the air. I like that people (in general) attempt to put on a better version of themselves for a month out of the year. I am giddy when I finish creating my Christmas cards and my new addition of a DVD of pictures set to music so everyone can see updated pics of the kids. (My form of the brag letter.) I watch with pure pleasure as my kids draw names for their sibling gift exchange. I share their excitement when they pull me aside to tell me of the really-cool-can't-live-without-gift that they bought. I like the quiet of LATE Christmas eve when I sit with all the lights out and watch the lights twinkling on the tree. I watch It's A Wonderful Life every year as I wrap presents and we read The Polar Express each Christmas Eve before bed. (And, yes, I cry EVERY time.) Oh yeah, and I LOVE that minute of anticipation when my family is gathered around the tree for a family picture right before we open presents. I watch as Mark dons the Santa hat and hands the kids their gifts one at a time so that we can all be excited and amazed at the presents. I think it's HILARIOUS that he'll grab a present, walk up to hand it to Tanna and then while she has her hands outstretched to grab it, he'll blow by her and give it to Jaden...because it really was Jaden's to begin with. I think that Christmas dinner is the best dinner of the year. I love that my house is chaos...filled with laughter, teasing, yelling and joy.
This year we aren't going to be able to provide an expensive gift-laden Christmas. Okay, let's be honest, we probably never have and probably never will. I guess it really isn't the gifts that make Christmas so magical. I think it's ALL the other stuff. It's the most wonderful time of the year to reflect on the people that bring joy and love into our lives. It doesn't cost a dime to wear a smile, so wear it with pride. Be the better version of yourself and wouldn't it be great if the gift you received in return was a bit of kindness?
So, my family will get all the love I can give. We'll have a really FANTASTIC dinner on Christmas day. We'll laugh and fight and joke and yell and sleep and eat and game and watch movies. We'll do it all with love in our hearts. Deason-style. You can't buy that off a shelf, now can you?
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