Shoulder Pads
Are you getting excited for the holidays?
I cringe at this question because it’s asked earlier and earlier ever year. I’m usually not ready, not even in the ballpark of a holiday mood. That cringe starts a wave of self reflection…
Why aren’t I excited? What’s wrong with me? Maybe I’m not really happy, maybe I have deep seated issues? Everyone loves the holidays, except those super depressed people and I’m not…wait, am I depressed? Why can’t I just appreciate the simple things in life and get into the holiday season? This has been a pretty good year, I have a lot to be thankful for and I’m grateful, aren’t I? I have family and children, children love the holidays. I should be excited.
And there it is, the magic word…should. “Should” always gets me into trouble and gives me angst. I have never had a moment with “should” that didn’t end in guilt, mixed with a dash of martyrdom and followed closely by a bad mood. “Should” is phony and layered in the garbage we tell ourselves based on the feelings of others, holiday music played too early, movies and advertising.
It’s Monday, ten days before Thanksgiving and no, I’m not excited for the holidays. That felt so good to type. I said it and I’m still a happy person, I’m not a grinch, I’m not depressed, I’m just not ready.
I’ll get there, I always do. Some years I’m in the mood by now, and others it doesn’t hit me until the day of Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve.
I do know one thing for certain this season. I’m going with my own flow. I’m giving up “should” this year, it ruins everything.
My thoughts from the laundry room. Shouldn’t Have Stayed Up So Late.
Christmas crazy life holidays life thankful Christmas holidays life people Thanksgiving thoughts whatever winging it
Crap! Thanksgiving is that close?
Hahahaha. It is. Are you past your “get excited” deadline too?
Yes…..I even had to look at the calender after your post. :/
Oh boy, snuck right up on you. Sometimes those years are good. Less time to jump around trying to be festive.
I dialed back on Christmas several years ago. Our children live hours away and always host the holiday now. I don’t even put up a tree anymore or send out cards. There are 2 grandchildren who at 5 and 7 are starry-eyed over Santa, and I treasure their responses. I do purchase gifts for them. Everyone else is 15+ and really appreciates gifts of cash to spend on things they want. The holiday meal? We have been getting racks of ribs done at the BBQ restaurant – so easy!
BBQ ribs? That sounds so relaxed and yummy. Traditions, I really like the traditions, whatever they maybe be. Doing the same things, connecting with the people we usually rush around all year, that’s the best part. Yours sound like great traditions.
Every year it is amazing but we say the say thing. The Holidays are coming and then they are here. It seems to go by faster as you get older. The good thing being a grandparent is buying the gifts for the grandchildren. Seeing their faces is always a delight at this time.
I hear this grandparent business is a blast. I can’t say I’m looking forward to it yet, but it does sound delightful.
It will come before you know it. Children grow and then you turn around and they are not children any more. So is the square of life.
PS: I thought you might like this, from last year: http://rlavalette.wordpress.com/2012/12/19/who-he-doesnt-ho/
This is great!
Everybody tells me there’s something wrong with me. I guess they’re probably right but, dammit, I just have never given a rat’s ass about any holiday. I do my best not to Grinch it up for others & I just wish they’d do me the same favor, instead of trying to sweet me or guilt me into the spirit.
There is nothing wrong with you and I don’t think you are alone. We are all entitled to our feelings and you don’t grinch, so that’s good. Sweet me or guilt me…I like that.