Once Halloween is in full swing almost everyone, wherever they may be in the world, is bang on the festive season. Shops quickly stock their shelves with all things sparkly and brightly coloured, any man with a beer belly, a scruffy beard and a bit of grit in their voice suddenly wants to don a santa costume and assume the role of Mr Claus in a bid to make some extra cash and the majority of the rest start running around to prepare for that 'all important' date - Christmas Day, 25th December!
Far from being a Scrooge, at the time of writing this post, I'm one of those who takes no part in the festivities; I am not one to celebrate any seasonal fad although I fully appreciate and respect the choice of others. I'm just not about any of it, to the point where I just about celebrate my birthday! I'm so done with trying to organise, at my own expense, what is often a hugely embarrassing fail instead of a cheery function where I celebrate being blessed to see another year... *sigh*
Despite my religious upbringing and beliefs, I honestly have no idea what Christmas is representative of anymore. I once believed it was the day Jesus was born {there is no mention of the specific date of his birthday in any bible that I have read}, I then thought that it was to be a time of spiritual focus and thanks for our blessings from God/Jesus {however, there are one too many who indulge that openly state they do not believe in Christ} and so, I now feel that perhaps it's simply a reason to get the whole family together and, if only once every year, enjoy one another's company over a ridiculously large feast, drinks and the exchange of several gifts which is where my confusion sparks up again....
If for the birth of Jesus, if for having a religious belief, or if just a time to be with loved ones, why do some people spend so much money on the whole thing? Especially when, between January and October, near enough every year, lots of people are seen ranting about being broke across various social media platforms?
The Christmas break/holiday, to me, is for children. It's a time to really engage them in all things family; to bond with them and spend a significant amount of time connecting with them, enjoying their little company and having them gain a real understanding of just how loved and valued they are. Such doesn't cost a penny for real love cannot be bought, right?
I'm not a parent however, if I was, I'd not teach/show my child/children that Christmas is all about going broke for no good reason which then leads to stress! How is that something to be celebrated? From the decorations to the gifts, all of the food and drinks, I firmly believe it's money wasted for one day {nobody actually celebrates the entire 12 days in the same way they do the first} which could be any day of the week that families {choose to} spend together. All of the above said, I might one day be all about the month of December! Who knows?
'Family Sunday' {which is now 'Family Any Day That Our Schedules Do Not Clash'} has been a thing with my own family since forever. We have a hearty home cooked meal, music in the background, a few board games played and then a couple of movies to finish the evening/night. No unnecessarily expensive gifts exchanged, no horrid looking decorations flung about the house and nobody talking about how much money they've spent for the one day of 'celebration' which has now left them with holes in their pockets.
If love is not boastful, or proud why do so many look for physical symbols to represent what is felt in their heart? Memories shared are the best gifts you can ever give to someone. Think about that... When all's said and done, it's the memory that will bring you the most joy, comfort, strength and peace. Such is the way for me when I think of my loved ones who are no longer alive - Jenna, Sherelle, Uncle Fabian, Joe, Gran-Boy and several others....
Again, I'm no Scrooge, ha-ha, I'm really not. I just don't understand frivolous spending especially when it seems to be more about following the crowd as opposed to actually being about the supposed meaning; the original reason for a certain occasion. That said, in this day and age, we'd do well to save as much of our pennies as possible, real talk!
A gift can be anything and, in any case, it need not be so expensive... Give your time, call someone and offer them comfort during their difficulties, give that special person in your life a long and loving hug and pamper them for the day; cater to their needs, invite someone round for a cuppa and a few card games, make someone a CD of their fave music, put together a montage of some pictures from 'back in the day' and frame it.... Think outside the {money} box.
I genuinely wish every person in the world the happiest month of December {2015} and hope, very much, that you each have a wonderful New Year. Always start {from where you are right now} as you mean to go. Never become a sheep, the role of Shepherd is yours for the taking.
However you choose to spend the 25th of December,
may you have the absolute time of your life, folks! x
Images taken from Google, except for the Malta photo
Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed this post! x
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