Making it My Own

I can't stand the holidays.

Seriously!

Well, that WAS my attitude - before my wonderful husband got ahold of me.

I mean, really. Holidays have always been tough. A constant reminder that I "don't have family" (which is really a myth), the financial worries, stress of "year end" at work, finding "that perfect gift," making sure I have gifts for everyone who's expecting one (read: who I know is getting me or those I'm responsible for one) and participating in the "normal traditions" of the holidays - no wonder I'm nuts!

Yes, I know. We are supposed to concentrate on the real reason for the season. Jesus' birthday. Never mind that it isn't really His birthday but just the time of year we celebrate it. And yes, I know, we're celebrating His birth - not His birthday - which is agreeably important. But what happened to singing a song, blowing out candles and eating cake?! And can I just say that if you say "season" in the reminder of our focus, it only brings attention back to the things you're trying NOT to focus on.

This year, as I started my "I am soooo dreading this..." and the "is it next year yet" comments, my beloved husband graciously pointed out the obvious...

"You are ruining the holidays for yourself and everyone else, you know."

After the shock of his loving point passed, I tuned back in to what he was saying...

"So there are parts of the holidays that you can't stand. Everyone feels that way. Just ignore the parts you hate - eliminate them from your tradition - and make it your own."

Wow.

So! In an effort to enjoy the holidays - and allow others to enjoy it too - I'm making it my own.

Sending Christmas cards? Check (except for a few I still need addresses for)
The snowman tree I've been wanting to do for years? Check!
Taking the last two weeks of the year off? Check!
Taking a fresh look at Christmas music? Check!
Focusing on the family I do have instead of those I'm better off without? Check!
Realizing that the simple gifts are the best? Check!

I'm not promising...but I might even bake some!

And yes, in case you're wondering, I AM enjoying this year's holiday season more than ever before.