And So This is Christmas

I shouldn't be glad that Christmas is over, should I? I've been down on the Holidays for a while now. It's just too much of a logistical pain in the ass...which tends to completely get in the way of "getting in the spirit". I'm not really a religious person, so I don't even have that aspect of it working in my favor. Although, my favorite part of Christmas this year was going to a Christmas eve service with Jen's family in New York. I think it was the only calm moment during the break...even though Liv got fussy and I had to take her out to the lobby. I also loved watching Liv tugging on wrapping paper and smiling BIG at her relatives. Anything that makes her happy, makes me happy. She's such a perfect baby.

I really want to work toward simplifying the holiday season...figuring out what it means to me and why it's important to embrace it. I don't want it to be because Hecht's, JC Penny and Best Buy are telling me it's time to fill their pockets with my cash. And I don't want it to be about "we spent X dollars on so-and-so and they only spent half of that on us". I don't give a shit about that. I do, however, think that it's important to be THOUGHTFUL toward family and friends when considering gifts. I'd honestly rather receive something that you found in the alley...if you truly think that it's something that I'd love...because you know me and my interests. I don't have a great track record with gift selection, but it's something that I'm going to work on. I want to break the habit of making a list just so I can cross off names as quickly as possible.

And I've found that it's really easy to overdo visiting. The more people you try to cram into the holiday schedule, the fewer you actually get to catch up with...beyond small talk. I love to visit and hang out with family and friends, but it seems like when we try to see everyone, none of it really sticks. It's just spread way too thin. I'd love to stay home one year and just have a few people over...and really take the time to enjoy each others' company.

Having said all that, I still think the one thing that's going to allow me to really enjoy Christmas is watching Liv as she becomes more and more excited about it every year. I got a little taste of that this year, but I know it's only going to get better and more fun. With or without the Christianity element...and with or without the Santa element...there is an undeniable magic that accompanies the last 2 months of every year. But that magic becomes less and less apparent and enjoyable as we stack up the stress, and the feeling of obligation. The things that are going to make you feel like a true part of the holiday season...and not a slave to it...are the things that come from your heart. Your time, your generosity, your thoughtfulness...and most importantly, your sincerity.