Holiday traditions have always been very important in my family. We’re not hesitant to make adjustments if an activity loses its significance, but we’re not slackers when it comes to celebrations. I grew up in a very small family, but what we lacked in numbers, my parents made up for in generosity, laughter and conversation. Growing up Catholic in the ‘50’s and ‘60’s, I knew many families much larger than mine and sometimes thought more would be merrier. As an adult privy to additional insights and different walks of life, and with a more mature perspective, I realized numbers tell only part of the story.
Determined to recreate my own version of the Waltons, I later became an eclectic blend of Mother Earth and Susie Homemaker. When viewing large families from a distance, or on the television screen, it wasn’t apparent how much work was involved. Three children later, I realized my Walton family dream might have to undergo some serious revisions and reductions.
Each Christmas season my sentimentality zooms into high gear as I unwrap decorations for the tree and house made by my son and daughters when they were children. The overly tinseled ornaments and crooked angel cutouts, or the haphazardly designed mini-stable all bring back memories of very special times. Now my husband and I are blessed with gifts personally chosen or designed from grandchildren. A cupboard door in our computer room is still sporting last year’s Christmas gift bag from a granddaughter because each time I see her printing on it, I’m gifted all over again.
People often lament the loss of simplicity in today’s holiday celebrations. Gift giving has evolved into an extravaganza that can set the family finances back for months or until another Christmas season has rolled around again. Glad tidings and good will are difficult to experience when stress over money, time, and family obligations is at its peak. Merchants, overly eager to tempt folks to spend money whether they can afford it or not, certainly aren’t the only reason for the shopping frenzy. All the glitzy decorations and enticing advertisements can’t force consumers to spend money they don’t have. It’s up to each of us individually to consider how we’ll celebrate the Christmas holidays and make certain we’ve invested our time and resources wisely and in keeping with our priorities.
This year my husband and I with our adult children and their spouses have decided to forego Christmas gifts among us. Individual families will continue celebrating with gifts especially since the Elf on the Shelf and Santa are still delightful experiences for the grandchildren. We’re not foregoing Christmas in any way, simply the gift exchanging. A family trip is planned for later in the year in lieu of gifts. This isn’t meant to be a cost cutting decision, but since we won’t all be together on Christmas Eve or Day, we’ve decided to revise the traditions. This may not be a forever decision, but we’re trying it this year.
Time not spent in shopping and checkout lines will allow for savoring the brightness and excitement and happy experiences that abound during the holidays. More time for reflection, spending time with loved ones, and experiencing the joy and peace that is Christmas. May it continue throughout the New Year.