I feel like it's almost a right of passage that Christmas becomes less life-altering every year. I mean...not to be all "bah humbug" or anything but it really seems like the holidays bring about entirely different feelings from me with each passing year.
Remember when you were a little person, and Christmas was basically the highlight of your life? You didn't know how to tell time, find your address, or write your name...but by-golly you knew exactly how many miliseconds would expire until Santa would surely shoot down your chimney and deliver your toys and goodys. And forget sleep on Christmas Eve. No, no...as a young child you are WAY more preoccupied with hearing the "clatter" of Santa's reindeer and sled and wondering if your home-made burnt cookies were to the big guy's satisfaction.
Then, during your adolesence, you slowly begin to realize that you should probably be personally gifting your loved ones. Enter the hideous home-made tidings you make for your parents and siblings because allowance is only so limited. Some of my personal "creations" included: a half knitted scarf, popsicle ornaments, orange glitter body spray, a "windchime" made of yarn...dont ask, and a package of discounted, decaff coffee (which I was certain was perfect for my mother, and right for my piggy bank). On a side note, I also created some truly "unique" (my mothers word) pots and bowls for my parents birthdays and such in my special area classes, but for now lets just discuss my scarring CHRISTMAS gifts.
Only later in your life, upon entering the workforce, do you finally discover that you should probably purchase people gifts that they might actually use. And so the pressure begins. During your teenage years, you want so many things...that it seems only natural that you would buy nice gifts for others in return. I remember trying so hard to purchase thoughtful gifts in a timely and affordable manner. After all, highschoolers only have an hour break for lunch at MOST and (most generally) a limited choice of work-places. For me, this time of the year was when I felt the most pressured---like what I had to offer my family just wasn't good enough.
Enter my most favorite phase of life. Now, in my twenties, I find that Christmas time is the most rewarding holiday for a different reason all together. No longer do I stay awake with "visions of sugar plums" or listening for Santas sled. Instead, I stay awake catching up with my little sister and mother. No longer do I invest my time and energy slaving away at gifts that most likely will get thrown away upon sight. Instead, I purchase or create small but thoughtful gifts I know others will like. And finally, I no longer have lofty purchases I desire for Christmas. At this age, you just appreciate that your family is there to help you, love you, and nurture you all year round. It is truly the gift that keeps on giving.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
