Taking December back – Day 18
I still love Taking December Back, but it is not as easy as it sounds! I still feel the pressure of pleasing my children, family and friends. I still get the familiar question, “Are you ready for the holidays?” My standard answer has been, “I think so, you know, I am Taking December Back!”
As I remind myself of the importance of the season and why I love Taking December Back, I keep coming back to our family Christmas tree! It is beautiful, but more importantly it is decked out with ornaments we have been given, created or purchased from a special place. Preschool photo ornaments, a set of glass ornaments from my Mom for my husband and I on our first Christmas, ornaments from family vacations- all have stories and memories! Even our first Bernese Mountain Dog has her own special ornament, which is placed with care each year near the Angel. This tree has been chosen by all of us from the tree farm, cut down, pulled up a hill, tied to the roof and brought home. This tree brings a bit of a mess, and I actually love the mess- well most days. This tree is our tradition, full of memories that we can enjoy each day during December.
As I went Christmas shopping this past week for my children, I still felt this sense of being overwhelmed. Why do I put so much pressure on myself when purchasing gifts for my children? I want them to be excited and maybe surprised, but why am I putting so much value in a gift that is just a THING? The endless love and support that I give each day, isn’t that the gift? Is the new phone, chrome book or video game better than a parent’s unconditional love and support? I guess I am way off here! Of course, they want that cool new phone, and of course they know of my unconditional love and support. But still a piece of me wants to wrap up my love, all the years of support I am willing to give, every bit of courage it takes to raise my children! Maybe it is Christmas every day at my house? I’m giving love, courage, PATIENCE, support and so much more each day!!
The Wise Men gave Jesus Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. My understanding is that these were pretty nice gifts for the time! My kids are certainly not Jesus! They have definitely been given some petty nice gifts over the years. Hmmm… where does this lead me?? I’m actually not sure! But I think I have some responsibility here as a person, a parent, and as a Christian.
So - Taking December Back is seeming a little more complicated to me this year; but I am still holding on to our family time and trying to keep the PEACE!