While I love traditions & being with family and friends, I dread the preparations. What to buy? For who? What are we doing? Have I done enough? The busyness, the socializing, the hype that goes with it and the expectation around it can paralyze me.
Our family continues to grow and this year a new suggestion – Christmas at the beach! With a 6-month-old and a 20-month-old, all of us will be busy, exhausted and hopefully full in a good way and in more ways than just from overeating!
Photo by Bruno Martins on Unsplash
Our family tradition in recent years has taken a lot of the pressure away. Kris Kringle gift giving, going out where no-one has the responsibility of cooking (with many thanks to the staff who are working to provide us this opportunity) or each contributing dishes to the meal mean we all get to enjoy the time together in ways that are non-traditional. Oh, the fun we had at the local club where we all colored in the children’s placemats was a spontaneous highlight! And always the fun of surprise in the gift box that comes from everybody’s favorite aunty!
Christmas is about family and if you are there on the day, then you are family. This year it’s actually nice to not have to be the driver. I look forward to being a co-driver and enjoying the extra work play that will come from being with the young ones for a while!
This year I’ve gone gently on myself and eased my way into it. I’m going for quality over quantity, enjoying the preparations that go with it and embracing the connections of those I share the day with. Without the hype, I’m good with it and I enjoy it!
Whatever the Christmas season means to you, I wish you peace and joy and may you honour and celebrate it your way!