Grown-Up Christmas

Like it or not, the Christmas season is upon us. Luckily, I like it, but for the Grinches and Ebeneezers of the world... well they are stuck with an early onset of holly, jolly, holiday cheer. This Christmas is a bit different for me. My family isn't exchanging gifts. I really don't mind not receiving them, but it will be very hard for me not to buy gifts. I LOVE buying gifts! I usually have ideas in my head in September for what I will be getting people. Unfortunately, due to my brother's January nuptials, this year we are cutting WAY back on the presents. On my Mom's side, with my little cousin we are going to use our normal "present time" to make a craft. This was my idea. I know it sounds ridiculous, but it's either that or we spend two hours having my six year old cousin, Megan direct us in reenactments of Hannah Montana performances. Bring on the glitter and glue! I have convinced my parents to let me buy them both gifts, but nothing pricey is allowed. Again, this is a challenge. I am kind of used to going over the top. One year I bought them a computer. Another year I treated them to an all-expense paid trip to Charleston, SC (not Charleston, WV...that would be punishment). I usually buy my bro Ipods and fun gadgets, or at least some nice clothes. This year I am getting him and his bride-to-be a coffee maker :-/

It's hard for me to stifle my holiday generosity, but I am doing my best.



I will say that in the absence of going over the top shopping and buying I have had some new perspective on the holidays. I am enjoying the season for all of the other wonderful things it brings; I have had my radio permanently set on the Christmas music station. I plan on going to church every Sunday in Advent this year. I CANNOT wait to decorate the tree tomorrow night, and the thought of all of my favorite TV specials makes me giddy inside. . Oh, I love this season! It makes me feel like a kid again.



I kicked the holiday season off at home, in PA with my family and hometown friends. I had four days packed with nonstop visiting and celebrating. It was a truly wonderful way to spend Thanksgiving and it made me REALLY appreciate the people I have in my life! Forgive me while I get sappy for a minute or two, but I have to. I don't go home for Thanksgiving every year...the past couple years I have stayed in Charlotte and spent the holiday with my roomate's family, which has always been fun and they have always made me feel like part of the family. I have also for several years had a pre-Thanksgiving get together with my Charlotte friends before the holiday, since we all go separate ways for the holiday. Whether I have been in the north or the south, every year I am surrounded by the warmth of my loved ones. Likewise, Christmas means I get to do it all over again....Christmas get-togethers with friends in Charlotte and family traditions in Pittsburgh. And, whether I am above or below the Mason Dixon Line; whether I am coming home with a car full of gifts, or buying popsicle sticks and glitter to make snowflake ornaments makes no difference. I don't need to open a single present this year because I am gifted to have family and friends in TWO places (and some in other places too). There is no better feeling than that! This holiday season I praying for the people who can't be with their families, and for those who don't have families. For people in nursing homes, overseas at war, or just alone in their own homes. I am sure those people would gladly pass up a sweater or a new watch to instead spend the holidays with a loved one. While the magic of Christmas makes me feel like a kid again, I am happy to say that I have adult perspective that makes me appreciate the true meaning behind Christmas.



Happy Holidays!



"Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more! "