Merry Christmas

From my family to yours.

Back to Basics

With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it is so easy for everyone to get caught up in the big things. The decorations, the presents, the presentation. While all of these things make Christmas (and life in general) a little more fun and a lot more sparkly, I had an ah-ha moment a couple nights ago. I've already preached blogged about how Christmas isn't about money or gifts, and I stand by that. But what I didn't mention? Is that life isn't about money or gifts either. And sometimes I need to stop and remind myself of this. Try and stay with me on this one...

I started a new job last week and am working 3 days a week at it, while still working 2 days a week at my old job. Fortunately it's with the same company, but the positions couldn't be more different. I love my new job and I am so grateful for it, but this transitioning and switching back and forth between the two? It's taking a lot out of me. I come home mentally drained. I love learning all of these new things but at the same time it's hard. My brain is going crazy trying to balance new responsibilities with old responsibilities. And this is my excuse. My excuse for being a less than ideal wife.

My husband has mentioned in the past few weeks that I have been distant. I've been out of it. I think the preparing for the new job, starting the new job, combined with the holiday crazies has made me this way. Well, I guess I can't really blame all of that, because when it really comes down to it, it's about me and the way I handle these things. But moving on.

My heart was heavy because of Shawn telling me I had been distant, so I sent him a text (while in the same room as him, mind you) and asked him if he wanted to go upstairs and just spend time together instead of watching TV with my family. I doubt I have to tell you how hard it is to be married in someone else's home, and while we are so entirely grateful that my dad and step mom have let us stay here while we get back on our feet, it's still just hard. We came from our own place and had to move into someone else's. We went from having alone time all the time to hardly ever having alone time. So I was relieved and happy when he headed upstairs after reading my text. Once upstairs? We just laid there and talked. And cuddled. And spent time with one another.

It was so nice to ignore all the worries, responsibilities, and holiday crazies. We took it back to the important stuff. Back to basics, if you will. It reminded me of how we were when we first started dating. I feel like after you are with a person for a while you get in a routine. Loving almost becomes a habit. And while love is certainly something that is important to me and that I'd like to keep constant in my life and in my relationship, a habit is not what I want for my marriage. So now I have this new mission. Love out of intention. Pure and simple love.

So now with Christmas just around the corner, and the New Year following close behind, I want to go ahead and put this out there as my "resolution". Except it's something that I'm going to start with now. I want to take it back to basics in my life. I want to push all the "for show" aside and really remember what first attracted me to my husband, why I first "clicked" with my best friends, and why family really should come first.

Bah Humbug... Kinda

It's that time of year. The time where the Internet world and retail world start buzzing with that C word... yes... Christmas.

Never the mind that Thanksgiving hasn't even happened yet. These days, once Halloween passes it is free reign to start listening to Jingle Bells and start decorating the malls with trees and pretty lights. The problem? I'm sorry. I just don't.get.it. In fact? It bugs me. Go ahead, call me a Scrooge or the Grinch. But first, hear me out.

I don't have to remind most of you that Jesus is the real reason for the season. Yet every year I feel this sentiment gets more and more lost. It saddens me that Christmas is now about presents and money. I watch loved ones stress out, get depressed, and freak out over buying things. I have even suggested a few times in the past that we should skip presents that year yet I get looked at like I have three heads.

So wait, let me get this straight. You're stressing and freaking out about money, yet when I suggest you don't spend it, I'm the crazy one? Oh okay, just so we're clear.

Anyway. I like Thanksgiving. I don't particularly love Thanksgiving food (yet again, I'm crazy right?). But I love that it is a holiday of togetherness without the hustle and bustle of presents. It's a holiday about being thankful and grateful and spending time with loved ones. I really think Christmas should take some notes from Thanksgiving.

Now I know. Once I have kids, my perception might change. I am sure there are few things better than watching your little one's face light up when they open the present they've always dreamed of. In that respect, I get it. Or at least I think I get it. But as for adults? I think we all need to take a chill pill and really remember what Christmas is about. Whether or not you are a Believer, that's your prerogative. Either way, I really think Christmas should be more about togetherness. Celebrating family. If you want to celebrate your family by exchanging gifts, that's great too. But for Heaven's sake don't make it all about that. And please, don't become depressed or anxiety-ridden when you can't spend $200 on every member of your family. At least in my world, that's just not realistic.

So as the C word nears I may or may not lighten up and join in the holiday spirit. But for now? I'm riding the fence of Bah Humbug and trying not to get caught up in all of the holiday drama and I hope that some of you will join me. You don't have to be a Scrooge or Grinch, but you can take a step back and remember the importance of this holiday season.