Blah Blah Blah Christmas blah blah blahhhhhh
So . . . . blah, blah, blah, blah blah blahhhhhhhhhhhhhh. . . . (I guess I'm warning you, in some way, that this is about to be a "Blah Blah" Post. I think I'll have to create a new "Blah Blah" Subject on the side bar here - to include any of those posts that are just down right blah - or when I'm feeling in a particularly blah mood.) Ok, here goes . . . . Here I am - at the most Wonderful Time of the Year (my words, exactly) and I'm feeling . . . . blah.
My Christmas Club check came from work - and while most of it is going to bills and household "staples" (which included a trip to Costco for TP, paper plates, napkins, abundance of fruits and veggies, cereal, pepperoni . . . gotta have pepperoni . . . and cleaning supplies), I am able to actually put some of it towards Christmas gift purchases. The problem is - I'm having a hard time shopping this year. I mean - a really hard time shopping.
The thing is, I think PG and I have been so focused on NOT spending money the past 6 months, that spending money right now is REALLY REALLY hard. I did not brave the "Black Friday" crowds and opted to stay home in bed (which was totally a better place to be, in my opinion). But Saturday afternoon I decided to venture out and do a little of that Holiday shopping. I purchased - Nothing. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Me - with a couple hundred in the pocket book, and nothing purchased for christmas gift giving. Yes, something is off in the universe. Hmmmm . . .
But, should I feel bad about that? I mean - we ALL say that it's not about the gifts - right? The spirit of Christmas is so much more than that. I SO hate to say this - and I swear I have never said it before (and hope to never say it again), but I think I am having a hard time finding the spirit right now. Hmmmm . . . this worries me . . . .
I am a pretty lucky Mommy - because my children are NOT big on the toy front. Don't get me wrong - they have tons of toys. They play just like any other child out there. However, when it comes to actually "wanting" things - they really . . . . don't. Katie still can't come up with a list for gifts that she'd like Santa to bring her. And while I know that Ella is still very young - I can't seem to even come up with anything that she would be super excited to have (that is - other than a package of Crayola markers and a role of tape - she'd be pretty thrilled with either of those two things). I think that we've been so focused on "Needs" vs. "Wants" in our house lately, that my own children can't come up with any "Wants" this year. That makes me kind of sad, though. I mean, I know I should be so proud of them that they don't want all this "stuff", but don't most kids want Santa to bring them, at least, something?
So I guess I am looking to all of you - my blog friends - to help me out. How can I find the spirit, in the midst of sales adds and neighbors gabbing about their multiple purchases and "You haven't even started shopping yet? You're not going to find anything for your kids." comments? I don't want it to be about that. I want it to be about the Spirit of the Season. Tomorrow I am starting my Daily December album, and I'm hoping to not have too many "blah" days in the album. So, how do you find the spirit? Please share - your story might help. . . . (and Thanks for listening to my latest "blah" moment.)
My Christmas Club check came from work - and while most of it is going to bills and household "staples" (which included a trip to Costco for TP, paper plates, napkins, abundance of fruits and veggies, cereal, pepperoni . . . gotta have pepperoni . . . and cleaning supplies), I am able to actually put some of it towards Christmas gift purchases. The problem is - I'm having a hard time shopping this year. I mean - a really hard time shopping.
The thing is, I think PG and I have been so focused on NOT spending money the past 6 months, that spending money right now is REALLY REALLY hard. I did not brave the "Black Friday" crowds and opted to stay home in bed (which was totally a better place to be, in my opinion). But Saturday afternoon I decided to venture out and do a little of that Holiday shopping. I purchased - Nothing. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Me - with a couple hundred in the pocket book, and nothing purchased for christmas gift giving. Yes, something is off in the universe. Hmmmm . . .
But, should I feel bad about that? I mean - we ALL say that it's not about the gifts - right? The spirit of Christmas is so much more than that. I SO hate to say this - and I swear I have never said it before (and hope to never say it again), but I think I am having a hard time finding the spirit right now. Hmmmm . . . this worries me . . . .
I am a pretty lucky Mommy - because my children are NOT big on the toy front. Don't get me wrong - they have tons of toys. They play just like any other child out there. However, when it comes to actually "wanting" things - they really . . . . don't. Katie still can't come up with a list for gifts that she'd like Santa to bring her. And while I know that Ella is still very young - I can't seem to even come up with anything that she would be super excited to have (that is - other than a package of Crayola markers and a role of tape - she'd be pretty thrilled with either of those two things). I think that we've been so focused on "Needs" vs. "Wants" in our house lately, that my own children can't come up with any "Wants" this year. That makes me kind of sad, though. I mean, I know I should be so proud of them that they don't want all this "stuff", but don't most kids want Santa to bring them, at least, something?
So I guess I am looking to all of you - my blog friends - to help me out. How can I find the spirit, in the midst of sales adds and neighbors gabbing about their multiple purchases and "You haven't even started shopping yet? You're not going to find anything for your kids." comments? I don't want it to be about that. I want it to be about the Spirit of the Season. Tomorrow I am starting my Daily December album, and I'm hoping to not have too many "blah" days in the album. So, how do you find the spirit? Please share - your story might help. . . . (and Thanks for listening to my latest "blah" moment.)
Ya' know, Leanne...we ALL those BLAH moments!!:) First of all I'm sending you a cyber hug all the way from Missouri. Now, here is what gets me so "up" about Christmas...
ReplyDelete*I have Christmas music playing all the time, everywhere. Love it. And from your posts I know you do, too:)
*I make a HUGE list of ALL I want to DO (rather than HAVE) for this time of year. We watch the same old movies with new excitement, enjoy hot chocolate, play more games and bake yummy treats. I would rather DO all the stuff on our holiday list rather than HAVE...ya' know?!! So sit down with your family and create a fun holiday list. I bet the kiddo's will LOVE this!!
*I know what you mean about shopping. I have only one thing purchased...a new family game. Otherwise...I don't know what we'll do. But ya' know...we have always loved that last minute shopping. Maybe by waiting and doing what's fun on your list you will get that "buying" spirit and find something for your loved ones!!
I hope this helps!!:) BTW, I have a stamp for you...you can drop me an e-mail and I"ll mail it out:)
leslieackman@yahoo.com
Dare I say....I'm in shock!!! Actually, Leanne, I think you're in a good place. Just because media and friends and neighbors and EVERYTHING are screaming at you to get on board, you're right where you should be for this moment. I think the blahs are good to kickstart the gratitude you will feel (and open your eyes to the little things) when you start your December Daily. You'll see... this will all work out perfectly. Try forcing it and it'll just take longer. Find the little things that make your heart skip a beat. Pick out one ornament on the tree and think about the story behind it. Find the wonder in the girls eyes when they tell their favorite Christmas memories. Those are gifts, Leanne. And they don't cost a dime!!
ReplyDeleteOh no you don't! You sound like me and I'm actually doing good so far! I'm reading a good book about renewing the spirit at Christmas - don't know the title off hand - I'll have to let you know....it's really helping!
ReplyDeleteCut yourself some slack - you've just gotten over being sick - don't expect too much. I'll get you in the mood! How about some eggnog and a little rum with the kiddos are safely tucked in bed. A showing of It's a Wonderful Life? A new cookie recipe?