It's good to see others are trying to get an early jump on Christmas.
The last few years I have been very disgusted with the commercialism, and the pushing and shoving, frantic crowds. People race to shop, and hurry to parties and drag themselves to one function after another because it's tradition.
Well. I have decided that this year, I won't do it!
I have informed my family that this year the "tradition" is to go back to what Christmas is really about.
This year the holidays are going to be more old fashioned, and people priented.
First-- the gifts from me won't be expensive do dads that someone just couldn't live without. I am making the gifts, like our ancestors did. And they will be practical.
Second--I will slow down and take time to gather the grandbabies (oldest is 16 youngest 1 1/2 years old) and we will drive around looking at everyones pretty lights. Isn't that why they put them up in the first place?
Third--All the grands will help make gifts for the nursing home.
We did this last year but only 1 child went wiith us. They all need to go and give out the gifts they have made and chat with the lovely, and often forgotten, older generation.
Fourth--This year there will be a cookie exchange. I have been trying for 5 years to organize and make one happen.
And last--(unless I think of something else later) the Christmas dinner, which I always host will be cooked here at my house. All the participants will actually spend some time here BEFORE the meal and talk while we peel veggies and bake pies.
I guess I'll get down off my soapbox now, it's just that with Mom and Dad gone, our Christmas' don't have the same feeling or meaning anymore.
That's not exactly right. Just want a holiday like we had when I was a kid.
This is "looking for more meaning to Christmas Maryann" signing off for now.;-)