I'm having a problem. I can't seem to get into the Christmas spirit. I think I know why, but it hasn't helped me get into the season the way I usually do.
Because of our decision to go to California, I decided not to put up a tree this year. I figured I'd just pull out a select few decorations, but I haven't even been motivated to do much of that.
I think the biggest reason I haven't been motivated is because the kids aren't in the house. Even though I'd like to have the house filled with Christmas cheer, I figure it's just Don and I and the need just isn't that great. The kids will come next week but within a matter of days, we'll be on an airplane. I'm sure I will put more out this weekend. But the change in the house from previous years is very noticeable.
The other thing that I'm not motivated to do is shopping, and this is very unlike me. I L.O.V.E. to shop. Again, there's a couple of reasons for this, and they go hand in hand. Knowing how bad the economy is, we've decided to scale back on our gift giving. Part of my extended family's gift giving is, instead of doing a gift exchange, we're taking that money and giving it to a worthy charity or cause. We have done this in a couple of ways already but most of it doesn't include going into a store and buying large amounts of merchandise.
I have decided that the few gifts I need to get for nieces and nephews will be bought in California so I don't have to transport bulky gifts in my luggage. And maybe it's because I can't get into the spirit, or because of my attitude about spending right now, or that I just can't find anything to purchase that brought me home yesterday, after hours of shopping, empty handed. I need to get just a couple of gifts for friends and a family and I couldn't find anything.
So here I sit, on December 11th and only two weeks before the big day, having purchased only a few little things for gifts and in a home that doesn't reflect the Christmas spirit. My attitude isn't bah-humbug, but it's not where it should be. It might not be until I get to California that I finally feel festive, spiritual, and wanting to celebrate the true reason for the season.
9 comments:
It is hard isn't it to get all festive for who? Yourself? Remember that the shopping and decorations aren't really the true reason for the season anyways. :) You don't have to have Christmas decorations up to enjoy our Savior. Do you have a nativity? Maybe just setting up a nativity and putting on some good Christmas music (the kind about Jesus not Santa) would help you enjoy Christmas for what it is...Jesus. I know when you get to spend time with your family it will be worth it. :)
Sal
I'm in the Christmas spirit, but I think it's because of my son. If it wasn't for his joy of singing Christmas songs, and the wonder in his eyes when he sees the decorations that come out of storage, I think I'd be pretty ho-hum too.
I'm hopeful it'll get better for you once you go to California and see family, especially your nieces and nephews.
I'll keep you in my thoughts, Diana.
I too hope it sets in when you arrive in CA.
I'm still waiting for my Christmas spirit to show up. I think its because my house is a mess and I won't be able to put the tree up til the end of next week (once the work inside is done). I was more in the Christmas spirit before Thanksgiving! So, I guess I'm glad I was able to have it then, LOL - looking for it to come back soon!
Wish I was going somewhere warm this Christmas!!
December 1th? When I come home I'll get you in the Christmas spirit! It's all over our house =D
I've never spent Christmas away from home, so I don't know what that would be like. I guess I would still want to decorate, but I can see how it would be hard to get too enthused. It's as if Christmas is on hold until you get where you're going. Maybe going to a different place to shop, or to going to a holiday concert would bring out the Christmas cheer. Or just choosing one area in your house to decorate, instead of the whole thing.
Once the kids get home, I'm sure the Christmas bug will bite you!
There have been years when my Christmas Spirit decided to play hide and seek with me....this isn't one, but I remember them well...
I tend to grin and put up decorations anyway...then it peeks out behind a decoration or two at me and runs and hides in a different spot.
Then I start to write the cards and it peeks at me again before hiding...
Then I GIVE someone (anyone) a gift (any gift) and BOOM! PEEKABOO! I SEE YOU!! There it is. Smacking me in the forehead!
My suggestion...(are you tired of my always making suggestions?)...get something small for someone you only know a little bit. Even just a bag of cookies or something, maybe for your principal? And wrap it up nice and give it. See if you Holiday Spirit doesn't start to peek out at you here and there too.
:-)
love you.
I am having trouble getting into the spirit this year as well. It is a good thing that my daughter put the tree up. We will go out tomorrow and hopefully get the rest of the shopping finished. Our shopping will be scaled back this year but we are all fine with that. The one nice thing is that we will be at our home church and will not miss Christmas Eve service. That will put me into the right spirit. It always does.
Oh...I have three little ones in the house and can't seem to "get into" the spirit...maybe it is the little one in "the oven" who is draining me.
I have a friend whose children are now all grown and gone. She still goes all out every year with the Christmas decor, probably even more so than when she had her kids home! Maybe you could put up a few things??
California will be fun :) Where will you be at?
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