Christmas Cheer

What ever happened to people truly caring about Christmas? Now days it seems like everyone falls into the commericalism of it all and doesn't look back to the traditions that families use to share. It seems very little thought is put into the gift giving. Kids don't play like they use too. Well, at least I know mine don't. I remember spending what seemed like countless hours in my room listening to my alarm clock radio or watching my black and white TV. I didn't have a cellphone, let alone a phone in my room. If I wasn't in my room I was outside. Unfortunately my children rarely go out to play, the neighborhood has changed the way they play. Instead they want to sit in front of a TV, video game, or and Ipod. It kinda makes me sad as some of my fondest memories were spent outside playing with my cousins.

I remember it being a big deal to get our Christmas tree we couldn't wait to decorate it. My mom would make us wait for the tree to fall into place before we could touch it which just increased the anticipation of this family tradition. This year we got our tree and 2 of the 4 kids weren't home, we waited until the next day to decorate it and then there was no interest in it. All they care about is the presents. :(  I know my children are getting older but I feel like Christmas is becoming less like a holiday and more like a GIVE ME day! I see some of the things on their list and they are items they have never even talked about before. Probably things they have just picked out of the Wal-Mart ad?

I really wish there was a way to travel back in time, to show my children how we lived. I didn't have it bad by no means. I would want my children to see the traditions. The letters we wrote to Santa instead of just a CHRISTMAS LIST. The way we couldn't wait to watch all the old classic Christmas shows like Rudolph and Frosty. I am so very thankful that we did not grow up with cable in our house. I can't imagine the memories I would have missed out on had we had cable. I remember waiting all year for Wizard of Oz to come on. Now it comes on every few months.

 Life has changed so much the simple things we took for granted when we were growing up we long for today. Well at least I know I do. I want a simpler time, I want my children to understand the true meaning of Holiday Spirit. Why giving is so important, and why we should always give from our heart. It is the least we can do. I bought gifts for some of my friends and I really put thought into each one. I guess that is why this time of year really makes me happy because it brings me great joy to shop for friends, family, and loved ones. As I look through the store I think of the memories we have shared throughout the year. I think about the good times and the bad. Friendships can be a never ending road ever winding and taking us down unmarked paths. The true treasure is where the road ends. I don't like to think about losing friends, it's not the way I would like to live my life, with friends coming and going. But they do. The greatest gift though is knowing that you brought them joy, or helped them in a time of need. That just fills my cup! It makes my heart feel full. Full of love, memories, and life experiences, without them I would not be who I am today.