Here is where I really started to dislike Christmas. Before I say this I need to write a disclaimer. My mom is a wonderful person and I love her very much. We just have differing opinions on some things.
When my mom was single and we were poor as poor can be. Christmas was all about togetherness. We bought our tree in a parking lot of some store. We would decorate the tree by threading popcorn using a needle. Our fingers would get pricked so much it was ridiculous. We used the ornaments we made at school intermixed with a few ones we bought for cheap at the store. We used the same lights, some were burnt out, some blinked, it was a mish mash. Then we had this horrid cheap looking angel topper. It was UGLY. But you know what, that tree signified so much. We used what we had and we loved it. Then a few years later, something changed. The tree decorating became all about themes. It was about the big expensive ornaments, the perfect strands of light, the perfectly chosen color scheme. I fought with my mom about it. She compromised and we had a little fake tree with all the homemade ornaments tucked in a corner.
What happened to the simplicity of it all. What happened to the pricked fingers and the homemade ornaments. Why is it a battle who can have the coolest light display in their yard tuned to music. Why is it about who can make the cutest neighbors gifts. Why is about who gets the coolest Christmas card out the earliest. What happened to just putting on some warm clothes, getting a plate of fresh baked cookies, and singing carols in your not so perfect voice to let people know you care.
One thing I did like about what my parents changed about Christmas….
Once my mom was remarried they were able to afford more. Christmas turned into a huge affair. We each got like 20 presents. It was kind of ridiculous. One year we spent Christmas with a family less fortunate then ours and my parents changed things up. They decided each kid should get three presents (then the sibling presents as well). This simplified things. This gave us more time to enjoy the gifts with each other and go sledding or something during the day. One thing I love about my sister in law is the fact that she gives her kids mostly books. No 100 dollar toys that are going to get thrown to the wayside in a week or two. Books. Educational items are important. It isn't all about quick entertainment for them, and I love it. Her children are imaginative, they are smart, and can hold a conversation.
I saw this post going around the other day. It explained what I have been trying to figure out for a while. When I was younger my sister andI spent our days creating lip sync concerts, putting on plays, and playing school. The coolest Christmas present I ever got was our dad built a stage in the basement. Complete with spot lights and curtains. I practiced and performed on that stage so much. Now my younger siblings, they got kindles. You know what they do at every possible time unless my mom forces them outside? They play on their kindles. In the car, in the family room, in the basement, by themselves, with their cousins….it is pretty much all they do. I spent pretty much every saturday possible when I was their age selling lemonade, they complain when my mom tells them they have to clean their rooms for allowance. …back to Christmas
This world is so wrapped up in the glamour and the presents and Santa. (I HATE SANTA) People are going out on THANKSGIVING to buy gifts. They start shopping and decorating in October now. That is ridiculous. Shouldn't we focus more on Thanksgiving and gratitude and Christmas with homemade ornaments and serving others?
This year, I will get a small christmas tree for our house. Mina will make paper ornaments, we will string popcorn. There will be no Elf on the Shelf, there will be no letter writing to Santa. We will read christmas stories about religion, not santa. We will listen to songs like O Holy Night, O come all ye Faithful, Joy to the world….not Santa Baby, and Last Christmas.
I am not trying to tell you I am better than you. I am just saying, let's bring simplicity back.
