Have A Holly, Jolly Christmas

Did the title make you begin singing? I couldn’t help myself because I like that song! In fact, I really like Christmas songs, the old ones mind you, not the newfangled versions. I’m more of a traditionalist that way. I don’t want to hear Mariah belting out her version. It’s nothing against her as a singer, but I like the oldies but goodies because I have good childhood memories of them. It’s that nostalgia that brings me joy in the present moment.

Do you have holiday traditions that you’ve kept since your childhood? One of ours is a new set of pajamas every Christmas. It’s been a good way to allow the children to open one present on Christmas Eve. I always feel like it puts us in the holiday mood and hopefully allows them to dream of sugarplums dancing in their heads!

Christmas mornings there are little gifts in their stockings which they can open without me as I get my coffee and settle in to watch them open their real gifts under the tree. The stocking stuffers are silly things. As they’ve grown older, they’re more practical gifts with some silliness thrown in, sometimes with their favorite candies as well. It all depends on what they’re into at the moment.

After the divorce, I began to give them some money to get me a present as well since I wasn’t getting anything. I feel it’s important for them to pick out something on their own and since they don’t have their own money to spend, I give them some and let them stay within the budget. I’ve gotten some lovely, creative gifts over the years which are all the more special because they shopped for me.

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas filled with joy and love. Make sure you take lots of photos and videos of family and friends. These are the little moments that we often find were more meaningful after time has passed. Cherish your family and your traditions and stay healthy!