Christmas decorations have been in the shops here for a few weeks already. I keep scoffing at them as I wander past....or rather run past, in denial. Is it just me, or does Christmas become far less exciting the older you get? While my kids are dreaming and scheming about all the wonderful things they will receive and the fantastic time with family they will have, I'm feeling a bit 'bah humbug' about the whole thing at this present moment in time. The whole idea exhausts me.
I have begun the hunt for items that will delight. Fortunately all the recipients we need to care for are little. Very little. Mr Men and Little Miss's will keep all of them quite happy with a few other bits and pieces thrown in. As for my own children? Each year I fear they will be terribly disappointed. Somehow, beyond the upcoming Prep year which is now a distant memory in our home, new school bags and lunch boxes may not cut it the same way they once did. That, and they no longer play with toys. Well, Mr Busy does within strict self imposed limits, but not the girls. What does one get 11 and 12 year old girls who don't have love-it-to-death hobbies when the mother has issues with kids their age in make up?
Don't get me wrong, there are things I love about the Christmas season. Each year our church has four candles. One is lit each Sunday throughout Advent. Somehow this quiet, simple, unassuming ceremony communicates more 'Christmas Spirit' to me than all the commercial hype beyond our church doors ever could. I love that our school always finishes up about two weeks before Christmas, allowing us time to wind down before Christmas arrives. This year, I'd like to do the 'Road to Bethlehem'. Something I've been wanting to do it every year since I heard about it. Usually we love to spend as much time as we can with Dh's brother & his family during their annual Christmas trip home from the US. Alas, this year it is not to be.
I suppose one must get through the adult responsibilities that come with Christmas preparations in order to enjoy the season to its fullest. I think I'm going to look ahead to the things I love, rather than focus on the things I don't.
7 comments:
I admit, I tend to get a little 'meh' about the whole thing. I think that boils down to it only being The Dutch Boy, myself, and my parents. That's it as far as family is concerned so I miss that big family get together excitement/feeling. And when we're in Holland, it's exactly the same, just his parents. I personally have more fun there, but it's winter and all :)
This year we're slightly cheating and going to the Marriot Hotel for their Champagne dinner and then staying the night in the city.
Sadly, I get so swept up in the magic that can be Christmas that I always end up feeling a little let down. Might be different this year with being involved in a Church - we'll see :)
PS: Woolworths was playing carols last night!
This year my mum got us tickets to Cirque de Soleil and lunch beforehand. It was a great day. I am thinking of getting my sisters and my mum a gift voucher for a creative workshop like making mosaics and we can all do it together.
I think movie vouchers, tickets to a show (a night out together perhaps) is a great idea. I know that one blogger I follow gives her children a trip each year, based on something they are interested in, or want to do. Just an overnight or weekend trip.
I saw that on Anna's blog too Han Ysic. My kids are yet to form such attachments....personally I just love going on a plane. Don't care where, but as long as I get on at Tullamarine (read: big planes!) The kids and I'd be oh so satisfied.
Felicity, sometimes I think a smaller but more meaningful family time can be good. Dh's family gigantic and as much as I love them it can be a bit difficult at times to keep everyone happy.
Tracy, the family part of our Christmas this year is definitely downsized on previous years. However, in our group of four or five couples with kids, one of us plays host to a drinks/bbq night - usually sometime in the week leading up to Christmas where everyone brings something. The kids go crazy with sparklers, torches, bikes & games or whatever they bring, and the big people just hang out and dream up ever more ambitious cocktail recipes....sometimes we even cook dinner....
Maybe, a small gathering that celebrates friendship might be a nice thing. If you allowed each of the girls to invite their dearest friend, they'd love it.
An idea for your daughters, what about a piece of jewellery that is obviously a bit more precious than the usual crap you see everywhere? Maybe a plain ring with their name engraved on the inside? I'm sure these aren't horrendously pricey. It would be a signal that you consider them responsible enough to have something special.
I have a signet ring given to me when I was about 10/11 years old, and it was and is very precious. I still remember the thrill of opening my parcel and seeing it was a velvet jewellers box.
I'm with you on the Christmas decorations/bah humbug issue though. Can't we wait until December?
Lisa x
You haven't done Road to Bethlehem???? Oh my, Trac - you will love it!
Know the gift issues - I'm with you on that :)
I know Rel...terrible. I've been trying so hard to get there for about 5 years.
This year is the year!
Hey Tracy, when my daughter was that age I bought her books, stationery, pens, craft stuff, bubble bath/talc/soaps, pjs, cushions for her bedroom, bead kits...that kinda thing.
love, Tina :)
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