it's that time of year again...

It’s that time of year again…everyone’s favorite holiday, Christmas.  I have a confession; not sure how comfortable I feel sharing this fact about myself but let the truth be told…I don’t love “Christmas”.  Before you throw me under the bus, call me the grinch, switch to another blog or shake your head in disgust…just hear me out.   There's a group(maybe small, maybe large) of people I think have forgotten what Christmas is all about and make the season unbearable for others.  Perhaps you might know someone who could use a little reminder??  Feel free to send them over to my blog!! I’ve noticed that people are crazy right now, seriously crazy.  Fuzzes are short, emotions are running high, and every one is broke.  I work for a company that makes children’s clothing…in the past couple of days I’ve been told I’ve ruined Christmas for a family because their pj’s were sold out and I was told I’ve saved Christmas for another family because I could send their two year old a silk party dress (I’m sure the baby will be thrilled).  How in the world do I have the power to make or break someone’s Christmas with what their kid is wearing??  We have this huge build up for one day…parents shop for weeks, wrap for hours and gifts are opened and thrown to the side in minutes.  Kids cry when they don’t get what they want, parents are tired and cranky because they’ve stayed up all night to make the day special for the kids, where are all the merry people?  It’s become the hustle and bustle of going from one party to another, getting all the shopping done, having the house decorated and gifts under the tree, but are people truly appreciating it all? I could go on and on, but I won’t because I do know there are also good things about Christmas…spending time with family, being thankful for what you have and if you want to celebrate the absolute true meaning of Christmas…it’s celebrating Jesus, his birth and everything he has given us.  But, how many people do you think actually celebrate that?

do you celebrate christmas because of this??

or this??

I was talking to my friend, Mere tonight.  You all might know her from her guest blog appearance about breast cancer at 30.  Here is a woman who has so much to celebrate this Christmas.  She is a great reason we should take the time to think about what we have and how truly blessed we are. I know this year her family and friends will be thankful for the time spent with her celebrating another Christmas.  So, don’t let yourself get too wrapped up in the commercial aspect of the 25th of December.  Remember why we have this holiday and don’t worry so much about the materialistic things you/your loved ones have been asking for, reflect on your year and what truly makes a difference.  Meredith got a card from two young cancer patients this year and this is what it read with a picture of the two kids with their little bald heads on their “make a wish” trip:

It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more."

So, call me the grinch if you want, but I think we can learn something from this green guy.  Merry Christmas!!

xoxo