Christmas Day is nearly here and I have yet to start shopping for gifts. I visited a mall the other day and the sound of Christmas music brought tears to my eyes. So many exhausted people in Christchurch and I am one of them. People are tired and their tolerance levels low. It has been a long hard year and the new year promises very little. More than anything else I am looking forward to taking leave from work with the hope of recharging the batteries over the holiday period.
I do like Christmas and the opportunity to enjoy time with my family. The Christmas tree is up and beautifully decorated by my youngest daughter. At night I sit there watching the lights and thinking of the many wonderful Christmas days I have spent with family and friends. There have been some difficult ones, for example, like the first Christmas after my father died when I was still in my teens, when my husband was made redundant and money was scarce and of course last Christmas after the September earthquake. Gladly for me my Christmas memories are mainly of wonderful days from my childhood and those experienced with my husband and daughters.
At the moment both daughters are living at home, so I am looking forward to sharing the morning with them. The older daughter asked if we were having a Christmas breakfast this year which is a tradition we started when they were young. To be honest I don't feel very enthused at the moment, but I will do it and know it will be fun. Even though the girls are older there is still the excitement of everyone sitting around the tree (lights on), Christmas music in the background and watching each others expressions as each gift is opened and admired.
This year we will be going to my mother's house for an evening meal to celebrate the day as this will possibly be her last Christmas in the house I grew up in. As a result of the earthquake my mother now resides in the red zone which means her house will be demolished as the land damage is too uneconomic to repair. There will be some sadness, but it will be a time to remember the good times and the love the house represents for my family.
Christmas for me is about cherishing my family particularly my husband and daughters. Preparing food on Christmas Eve for the following day (apparently my trifle is to die for). The last minute rush on Christmas Eve to wrap those last minute presents. Filling the Christmas stockings for the girls (they still ask for them every year) with lots of sugary delights. Waking on Christmas morning (thankfully not so early these days) and putting on a Christmas CD before the ritual of opening the presents. Then breakfast which is usually about too much food ( and perhaps the first glass of bubbles) and the day has only just begun. Later gathering with family and more food, more bubbles, lots of smiles and love.
As I write this I am now smiling, so maybe there is a spark of the Christmas spirit lurking in me and the gift shopping will get done after all. I came across the following which might be just what I need:
Christmas Cheer Recipe
Combine loads of good wishes, heart fulls of love and arm fulls of hugs. Sprinkle with laughter and garnish with mistletoe. Top off with presents. Serves everyone.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete