26 December 2012
A Christmas Card for You All
I guess this is technically Boxing Day...but I am actually only online in spirit anyway having pre set this post. Ah, the magic of the internet...
I've been thinking a lot about the meaning of Christmas or what it means to me.
When I was a kid, it seemed like my whole world revolved around Christmas! 364 days of waiting.
Back then my immediate family would get together with my aunt, uncle, cousins, Gramma and their dog (Muppet) at the Sturbridge Sheraton to spend a few days together. It was so much fun! I have memories of walking from room to room holding a new stuffed toy, Gramma drinking a Grasshopper pool-side, Food, the arcade, Pictionary battles and swimming. To this day, the smell of chlorine reminds me of Christmas!
It was such a magical time.
Christmas.
Velvet dresses and shiny shoes...
Midnight Mass and French meat pies...
Hanging stockings and putting out cookies for Santa...
Tacking my list to the fireplace where he'd be sure to see it...
Waking up at the crack of dawn to run and peek at the tree and its mountain of treasure (trying to guess by size and weight what I'd gotten)...
The sound of tearing paper and breaking out the garbage bag to hold it all...
I think the meaning has changed as I have gotten older. This year I have been getting back to the family aspect and less about the material gifts. Creating handmade presents out of love rather than obligation. I think it has served to bring some of the magic back.
XO
Merry Christmas!