I was in Target last week, it was Halloween to be specific, and the witches hats, plastic pumpkins, and princess wigs were all being quickly replaced with multicolored lights, tree ornaments, and nutcrackers. And I really hate to say it, but I had the biggest Bah Humbug moment. It wasn’t that the decorations weren’t sweet. They were. And I certainly know that the holidays are hurtling toward me at frightening speeds. But really? Halloween wasn’t even over. People were still buying fun sized candy bars, and the store wanted me to think about how to trim my tree and where to hang my stockings? The thought of Christmas exhausted me.
This time of year, thought, I’m giddy with Christmas spirit. I am thinking about where to hang my stocking, but for some reason the Grinch in me is looming large. And really, all I want to do is hang out on the sofa with a book and a blanket over my lap. So I’ wondering how people really get into the Christmas spirit? Do you wait until the stores are decorated and then start singing carols? Do you start baking cookies and cutting them in the shapes of stars and trees? Or do you start volunteering, thinking of the people less fortunate than you who need more that spirit in their holiday season?
Julia brought me The Spirit of Christmas by Nancy Tillman
at bedtime the other night. While the cover makes me think tree trimming and excess, the inside is all about love, and how the season, no matter which holiday is celebrated, is because of love. Religious love. Parental love. Love of our fellow man. Love for animals. Just love.
This was the reminder I needed because now, I’m looking for the love. The Christmas spirit isn’t in the cookies or the trimmings or the store decorations. But the spirit of Christmas is in the love here within my family. And now, that’s what I’m counting on to lift my holiday spirit.
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Christmas always officially started for me on my birthday, which is December 2nd. My parents were diligent in making sure I didn’t get lumped into the holiday, so they always waited. Many years we would go cut down our tree on my birthday (or around it), which marked the season even more. I agree with you, it was these special moments with my family that brought cheer - not the presents or decorations (even though the act of decorating together was something I looked forward to every year).
Strive to Thrive,
Nic
http://www.Thriving-Wives.com
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What good parents you had. My best friend’s birthday is December 29th, so we always celebrated January 29th to avoid overlapping with any holiday. I wish Target could bottle and sell love and cheer.