The onslaught of beautifully corny high-sugar, low nutrient holiday movies has begun. We know Susan ends up with the charming small town guy after the high powered attorney she’s been dating turns out to be a complete jerk. We’re still going to watch it all unfold though.
The annoying Christmas commercials have already started putting ideas in your children’s minds of what overpriced gift they absolutely MUST have because EVERYONE is getting one!!! Parents glance at each other with an understanding look over the shopping aisles as our kids drag us from Barbie’s convertible to Elsa and Anna’s castle.
“Help!” we seem to silently communicate to one another.
“I wish I could,” comes the non-verbal reply. “I, myself, am here against my will!”
We wish each other godspeed with a brave and reassuring nod, and get on with it.
The older kids are sullenly online looking to procure whatever Kylie Jenner is selling now.
Thankfully, we’ve already bought our significant other his 100th pair of Christmas socks. Progress! And that’s really all we can afford because apparently we are about to clean out the Disney store and purchase an entire Kardashian lifestyle.
Tis the season to be jolly. Falalalala-lala-lala.
There’s still the wrapping of the gifts, and the constant threats in the days leading up to the day, that Santa’s not going to be on board if certain behaviors don’t change forthwith! The madness in preparing Christmas dinner for the entire world and their mom.
But isn’t it all part of the magic of this particular holiday? Whether you are a believer in the whole idea of Christmas or not, it’s such a beautiful time to celebrate life. We just about made it through the year! Even the most cynical of us must admit, that’s kind of awesome. A lot of us were just about ready to give up around April! By August we were but a shell of our former (hopeful, bright eyed January) selves! Yet here we are. Exhausted, possibly bankrupt, and covered in dough. Isn’t it fantastic?
Surrounded by family, or friends who have become family, talking over each other at eardrum splitting volumes; feasting on the things we swore we would give up this year. And it’s OK, because we have 6 whole days to be self indulgent and gross before we begin again in the new year, trying to be the version of ourselves Oprah always said we could be.
I, myself, am not the cheery ‘sing-along Christmas carol, smile at strangers because tis the season’ type. I pride myself on my Grinch-like persona, because every family needs at least one. Two max. For balance. Any more than that, and you might as well cancel Christmas. But having said that, the idea of making it through to yet another Christmas, and getting ready for a fresh start; the time spent with loved ones; the joy on the little people’s faces (or disappointment…seriously, a convertible??) when they open their gifts; and above all, the reason for the season – a little baby boy in a manger stall – these are a few of my favourite things.
Happy holidays to you and yours!
