I don’t stress Christmas anymore

Yup, I’m gonna go there. I am going to write about all of the things that I would normally shy away from saying out loud for fear that my opinions may be unpopular. The reason I am putting myself out there is because I LOVE Christmas. It used to stress me out. I would actually really truly cry every year because Christmas stressed me out. Not anymore my friends, not anymore. If I can help just one stressed out person enjoy the holidays, I am willing to take the heat.  I feel this time of year is about love, joy, peace and hope. Not, money, stuff or politics.


GIFTS! 
Yes, I love gifts. The giving, the getting, all of it. What I don’t love is feeling obligated to buy something for someone because I think that they will buy me something and the something I buy must be of equal or greater value or else I come off looking cheap and un-thoughtful. So, I walk the malls in a sweat trying to find something that they will love, do not already own and will not be tempted to re-gift, bury in a cupboard or toss in the trash. How do I know they feel this way? Because I feel that way. I love that you thought of me but please…, I have 10 pairs of fuzzy socks, and enough specialized single purpose kitchen gadgets that take up more space than I have. I am sooooo sorry!!! I am sweating and feeling anxiety in my chest and gut as I write this. I fear your scorn! If you want to show you care, tell me Merry Christmas, smile and give me a hug. That means more to me than anything that you could find at the store. I am not just saying that to be polite. The accumulation of ‘stuff’ stresses me.  In cases where gift giving is required, I vote for consumables. Home made preserves, a bottle of wine to share.  A trip to the movies or a dinner out together to enjoy the company of the people I love. Requirement is now limited to family members.


My solution: This has been gently worked out over the years. I feel good about it because everyone is on board.  My friends have children, we used to exchange gifts but have now agreed that Christmas is for the kids; their aunts, uncles and grandparents provide plenty of stuff. 
One side of the family, we draw names when we are together at Thanksgiving. You buy one gift, spending a max of $35. We are all adults and don’t need or want a bunch of stuff that someone acquired by means of sweating through the mall. This way we get more time to put real thought into it. The price limit also makes us think about what we are buying. Not just a pile of fuzzy socks and a foot soaker/massager. Sorry if you like the foot soaker. I hear people use it a few times, really enjoy it, and then store it away in the back of the closet.  
The other side of the family, we have a limit of $10. Yup, a lousy ten bucks. This is hilarious!!!! The creativity and thought required to show your love for ten bucks should not be underestimated. I can’t share what I have put together this year but I promise you, it’s awesome!


POLITICAL CORRECTNESS!
If someone wishes me Happy Holidays or Season’s Greetings I feel good. I say thank you. I will return the sentiment. Of course you can say Merry Christmas! I say Merry Christmas. It is my holiday greeting of choice. I will not feel bad about saying it nor should those who say Happy Holidays feel bad.  Seriously! 

Wow. I sure hope my house doesn’t get egged now. 


THE MONEY!
There is too much focus on the money and the stuff. I will be blunt here. I am not going to spend hundreds of dollars on people who already have everything they could possibly need and much of what they want. I will donate money and gifts to the Food Cupboard and Toy Mountain. That makes me feel better. I say better, not great because I do actually cry every year because I am in a warm house surrounded by food, family and laughter while I know darn well that somewhere close by, someone is cold, hungry and alone. 


~Christmas can be hard. Please, make it about love, peace, hope and joy. Not money, stuff and politics. Find a heartfelt way to show you care and do it in a big merry way. It feels good and does not include sweating, anxiety or stress. 

Merry Christmas! 
Please don’t throw a snowball in my face!