Christmas Spirit

Bah humbug. I'm so tired of everyone telling me to get in the Christmas Spirit. It doesn't help that I'm sick right now. I have a nasty chest cold, and I really just want to be left alone. It wouldn't matter if it was September or February. I feel icky and that's the bottom line. Unfortunately, now it has become a "thing". Everyone is worried about me. "I'm down because of the holidays." "I just don't have any Christmas Spirit...." What does that even mean any way? Christmas Spirit? I'm excited about Christmas itself but all this commercialization of Christmas is just so out of hand. I've been seeing Christmas trees since October. They've been playing Christmas carols since before Thanksgiving. It's so sad to me. For me there are lots of things that are Christmas tradtions, and those things are gone. Losing my mom & my grandparents have certainly made things different. Brett growing up has made a big difference. I miss being able to find that perfect present that made those blue eyes dance.

Next year should be really fun. Eva Kate will be at such a fun age! I'm sure we will start some new tradtions then.

I'm so blessed to have so many friends. Last week I celebrated with some of my sisterchicks and we watched "White Christmas" shared some good food and good wine. For me Christmas is about the relationships between us. Not the biggest or best presents. Tonight I'm blessed to be spending the evening with another group of friends, The Fabulous Forty Princesses. Tiara's are optional tonight. Sick as I am, wearing something sparkly just might make me feel better.

As we lose those that we love our traditions change. Change is hard for me, but then I guess it is for everyone. I've learned that it's okay to be happy, even if you really miss those that are no longer here to share the holidays with us. Christmas Eve is spent with my dad & that side of my family and we have the big "traditional" meal. We all bring part of the meal to keep the stress from falling on just one person. The next tradition is my favorite, the the midnight service. We started a new tradtion 4 years ago with Dale's mom and her husband for Christmas Day. We both gave up cooking for Christmas. We drive to Searcy, exchange gifts and head for the local Chinese restaurant. Afterwards we watch a movie, take a nap or play a board game or cards. I must say that I really enjoy it. I think we all do. The stress is gone and we just get to visit and enjoy each other's company. Some people might think that's horrible, that's okay. It makes my family happy so that's what's important to me.

Back to my original question, what is Christmas Spirit? I think it's different for each of us. For me it's kinda low key and subdued. For others it's all out decorating and celebrating for a month. If decorations = Christmas Spirit, then Tim Bir beats all of us. (I'm not talented enough to place a link directly, but if you cut and paste this url, you can see Tim's house yourself.)

http://arkansasmatters.com/content/Holiday_news_Fulltext?cid=161311

Seeing Tim's house certainly warms my heart, and maybe it does fill me with the Christmas Spirit. Does it make me wanna decorate that much.......NO! I just think about all the cleanup. (Guess that's where having 4 boys comes in handy).

Anyway...so those of you that have been worried about me, I'm fine. I'm not depressed, I'm just a little sick. I'll be better. I'm not Scrooge or the Grinch. I love Christmas, I just don't have to do it the same way as you.

Merry Christmas