I think overall you can tell a lot about people by their reaction to the holiday season, the holidays just magnify their latent outlook on life. There are the Scrooge's out there, those that complain the entire season about the congestion in stores, horrible drivers, and dare I mention... Christmas music. They grumble and wince at all the perceived 'fake' cheer, and can't comprehend a season of giving to others joyfully. Then we have the middle of the road crew, they can take it or leave it, may sing a song or two, enjoy a party here or there, snag a few gifts and call it a day.
It should come as no surprise to any of you that I fall in the final group... The eternal child on Christmas morning. Those that wish the sentiment of the holidays could carry the whole year through, that don't believe the cheer is fake or forced, that its just been suppressed the whole year through and is bursting at the seams! The group that bides their time until the day after Thanksgiving, maybe cheating a couple times in the weeks before, to crank up the holiday music, scour the world for the perfect gift, bake like there is no tomorrow, and try and dream up new and innovative traditions that can make subsequent years bigger and better!
This fervor has become especially pronounced now that Cub is of the age where he can start comprehending and looking forward to traditions. I want to start those traditions that can carry through the years, that provide teachable moments to them over time about what the TRUE meaning of Christmas is about. Traditions that will draw us closer as a family, and perhaps transcend a generation or two after my boys. The part that makes it tough is adapting traditions to changing circumstances.... For example as has been the case for the past 5 years and likely years to come, the fact that Christmas morning will likely not be in our house... Or the fact that our current residence doesn't support the traditional Christmas decor (aka a tree) There seriously just isn't room, can someone say... "Charlie Brown" tree.
I already bake like a banshee, Cub loves partaking in that.... We do the new jammies on Christmas eve... I'm thinking this year we'll introduce him picking out 4-5 of his toys that he wants to give to others in need, and let him help shop for the angle tree gift.... but I feel like these ones are the old standby's... Come on people... help a sister out, share some great ideas I can snag and call my own :)
For those that may have just puked a little poinsettia all over the place... It's a month, you get the other 11, just let us go crazy for this one!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
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I bought at nativity that my boys could play with (like a Fisher Price or a Little People one. My mom's nativity was strictly hands-off when we were little!) It helped them remember why we celebrate (a great reminder for me, as well!). And remember, while every attempt to make traditions stick throughout the years, if every year isn't the same, you'll all just remember that you were together as a family. There's no better place to be than with those you love, no matter where it is and what you're doing. :) Love you guys and can't wait to spend some more time with you this Christmas! ~Ang
ReplyDeleteSuper easy, super fun. "Elf on a Shelf"- You can buy the book at any major bookstore and it comes with the elf. You name it and it becomes your family elf. It finds a new hiding place each night for the kids to find in the morning and then "watches" them the whole month of December reporting back to Santa about behavior. Trust me, I have seen a meltdown stop mid tantrum my the mere mention of the name, "Fenway" (our Elf). We also cut down our tree each year, which you could still do by going on a recon mission for a charlie brown tree. Goodluck!
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