Holiday Musings

Today I decided to take a break from work and walk around Rockefeller Center. Surprisingly, even though the area was overcrowded and busy, I wasn't annoyed. I didn't shoot anyone dirty looks for blocking my path by standing in the middle of the sidewalk or bump anyone back if I was bumped on the crowded sidewalk. As I took in the Christmas decorations and bystanders' smiling faces, I felt at peace and I felt joyful. This time of year always does this to me. Unlike many of my friends, I really do love Christmas. Many of my friends hate Christmas because they feel the holiday is commercialized, and, because they feel obligated to buy gifts during this time of year. I don't disagree that Christmas has become way to commercialized. I can empathize with the feelings of frustration and stress associated with deciding who to buy gifts for and deciding how much to spend on gifts. But, unlike many of my friends I haven't become jaded about Christmas. I will always love this holiday.

When I hear my friends say they hate Christmas I almost feel bad for them. I have so many fond memories of past Christmases that I can't wait to share with my children. One memory in particular always makes me giggle to myself. When I was a kid I was always so excited to find out what gifts I got for Christmas that I never waited until Christmas Day to open my gifts. When I was alone I would tear off an inconspicuous piece of wrapping paper so I could get a sneak peak at my gifts. I know awful, right? What can I say? I was a curious and impatient child. LOL. Another favorite memory I have is of my father playing Christmas records. Every year my father played Christmas records and my favorite was Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas record! A few years ago, can you believe I found a cassette tape with Christmas Music performed by Alvin and the Chipmunks. I was so excited. I play that tape every year with no shame. My family was also big on decorating the Christmas tree. It was an event in our house. Every year my mother buys a few new ornaments for the tree and every year we argue about putting too many ornaments on the tree. When I was in college I made sure my mother waited until I got home for Christmas to decorate the tree. Its a great tradition I want to continue with my family.

To me Christmas isn't just about giving and receiving gifts. It's about family, friends, and loved ones. Don't just give gifts because that's what you've been taught to do. Give gifts to celebrate your family, your friends, and your loved ones. Give gifts to celebrate life and love. This is the time to show appreciation to those who are never told they are appreciated. This is the time to give forgiveness to those you've held unyielding grudges against. This is the time to let someone you may have lost touch with during the year, know they are not forgotten. This is the time to give to the less fortunate. Christmas is the perfect time to teach children that its always better to give than to receive. Its the perfect time to make memories that will last a lifetime. Its a time to be at peace and be happy.

Take some time to stop by and take a look at my holiday gift suggestions which I'll be posting every day from Dec. 1 through Dec. 23rd. I also hope you'll take some time to think about what Christmas really means to you. Happy Holidays Everyone!