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Birthday: November 4
Gender: Female
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Colorado
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Colorado
United States
Leaves Of NovemberThinking about Christmas . .
I have been thinking about Christmas. Honestly, it isn’t even Thanksgiving yet, but the commercials on TV have gotten me thinking. Unfortunately, I guess they work. Argh! At any rate, my DH and I talked this weekend about budgets for Christmas spending. This is something we do not necessarily see eye-to-eye on and in years past have agreed to disagree. Translation: I won. However this year is a bit different. He retired this year so our family budget has taken a hit. I know I am not alone in this. Many people have lost jobs in this rough economy.
Please understand that my DH is the frugal one. I am not. I wish I were, but, particularly when it comes to Christmas, I tend to fall for the commercial glitz and glamour. This does not make me proud. I love what Christmas is REALLY about and each year I vow that this year will be different, not so commercial, and not striving for the Martha Stewart level of perfection in decorating and dinners. I usually don’t succeed and drive myself crazy with the trying.
In thinking about Christmas this weekend I am determined to make this Christmas different. The economy is one reason and there are some others. In years past those in our immediate family have agreed not to exchange gifts – my idea because I know that money is tight for everyone. However, I did not follow the plan. In some cases I even went above what was done previously. I was thrilled when gifts were opened by those I love to find the “perfect” expensive trinket I picked out for them. While they thanked me, I think they felt a bit betrayed. I wasn’t playing fair.
This year, I made the suggestion that we talk about the gift giving ritual and maybe come up with some alternatives while we are together at Thanksgiving. One of my sons agreed and came back with some great alternatives. However, the email came with the admonition that “Mom, you have to commit to what we decide.” I proceeded to begin to shoot off a response that I was the Mom and that I was exempt. But I stopped. And now I struggle with this.
There is one other thing that you must understand. I HATE shopping!!! Most of my shopping is done on-line because I really detest just “going shopping” and wandering around a store or mall for hours. Rather unusual for a female, I know. So, if I agree to go along with this I am free from the obligation of wandering the local mall or spending hours on-line trying to find the perfect thing; a definite pro. I will also undoubtedly save some money. No one can argue - that is a good thing. My children will also not feel like I cheated. Hmmm, that has to be a good thing too.
Maybe one of the biggest advantages is that I might be able to relax and enjoy the true meaning of the season. Wow, would I love that!!
So why am I digging in my heels? Some of the things going through my mind: am I really a closet control freak and this puts me in “control” of the holiday? Do I feel like I am not taking “care” of my young ‘uns unless I am providing them with “things”? Or the phrase that I keep falling back on: I’m the Mom and you should do as I say, not as I do. I don’t think my adult children buy that one anymore.
So I will struggle with this for a few days and hopefully come to grips with doing the “right” thing as opposed to doing the “commercial” thing.
RockyMountainGirl says:
Did you know that this journal is featured on the FAMILY page? Congratulations, my friend!
Posted: December 2, 2009 10:02PM EST
RockyMountainGirl says:
Hard, hard thing to do when it comes time to make a change! And it is amazing when you start digging for the reasons you feel the way you do about this holiday season and try to understand why your loved ones feel the way they do. My little family had to do the hard work several years ago and we still have to deal with extended family who don't see things the same way, but overall we are so much better for the open discussions that took place all those Christmases ago.
Good luck!
Posted: November 23, 2009 8:05PM EST
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Added: Nov 15, 2009
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