I have never been one for the Holidays. Maybe it was my brief encounter with working at the mall that jaded me. Three months of jolly holiday tunes and disgruntled treasure seekers passing gas in vacant aisles may do it to anyone. There, I observed that what should be beautiful traditions have been perverted into grossly overconsuming days when suddenly we are pressured into having a good time and creating precious memories.
It's easy to say that your children will never be exposed to the materialism that has engrossed the holidays. I clearly remember declaring that I would never, in any way celebrate Christmas. That declaration was honored until we actually had children. Our oldest started to question why everyone in the world celebrates Christmas except us. She wanted a special tradition in her life. Ok, ok, cookies. Cookies for all of our neighbors, and friends. That will be our Christmas tradition, cookies. That worked for a couple of years and then she asked, "Why can't we have presents?" I considered this. What is the big deal really, if I keep it small and special? So, ok, a special present. This year she is bringing up the good point that people decorate also.
For one of her theatre troupe's plays we made a tree, and I have decided that it will hold some lights and decorations nicely, so why not? Christmas is undeniable. We are honestly not religous in any way, so celebrating Christmas is, for us, joining the glittery side of the season. While I will never be able to bring myself to photos on Santa's lap (who is that guy anyway?) or stress shopping to cross the last wish off the list, I have found my own way to acknowledge the merriment around us. It is a chance to take special time, doing special things with our girls. What could be the harm in that?
It's easy to say that your children will never be exposed to the materialism that has engrossed the holidays. I clearly remember declaring that I would never, in any way celebrate Christmas. That declaration was honored until we actually had children. Our oldest started to question why everyone in the world celebrates Christmas except us. She wanted a special tradition in her life. Ok, ok, cookies. Cookies for all of our neighbors, and friends. That will be our Christmas tradition, cookies. That worked for a couple of years and then she asked, "Why can't we have presents?" I considered this. What is the big deal really, if I keep it small and special? So, ok, a special present. This year she is bringing up the good point that people decorate also.
For one of her theatre troupe's plays we made a tree, and I have decided that it will hold some lights and decorations nicely, so why not? Christmas is undeniable. We are honestly not religous in any way, so celebrating Christmas is, for us, joining the glittery side of the season. While I will never be able to bring myself to photos on Santa's lap (who is that guy anyway?) or stress shopping to cross the last wish off the list, I have found my own way to acknowledge the merriment around us. It is a chance to take special time, doing special things with our girls. What could be the harm in that?
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