Christmas!

Is it just me... or is Christmas SERIOUSLY magical? (But why does it tend to get mucked up with needless stress and anxiety!)

WHAT CHRISTMAS SHOULD BE...

The snow blanketing the neighborhood that brings upon this priceless silence. Christmas lights just making everything prettier. Listening to that one radio station that plays Christmas music 24/7 and singing in the car. Watching all the classics like Rudolph, Frosty, Charlie Brown, Grinch, White Christmas and A Christmas Story that make you feel like a kid again. Decorating the tree with the ornaments that you have been collecting throughout your life. Making Christmas cookies...usually I attempt gingerbread men (my fav) and have high creative intentions to decorate each one with its individual look but then giving up after doing 2 of them and just slopping on the icing and sugar! Getting to spend time or touch base with the ones you love! Doing things for others - whether it be finding that perfect gift that a certian someone that isn't expecting or donating to a good cause - to make someone elses Christmas brighter! Seeing the sheer excitement on kids faces when they see gifts from Santa under the tree! Going ice skating or sledding!

WHAT CHRISTMAS HAS TURNED INTO....

running around like a chicken with their head cut off!

The whole idea of asking people for their "Christmas lists"...it just seems weird if you stop and think about it!

Battling crowds and traffic creating anger towards our fellow man and serious road rage.

Spending money just to spend it in order to have something to wrap
for that one person that is impossible to shop for.

Standing in endless lines at the grocery store with everyone else who forgot cranberry sauce!

Seriously, why does it have to be like that?

(Don't get me wrong - kids should all have that experience of coming down the stairs in the morning to stacks of presents under the tree! But what I am talking about is aimed more at the adults...)

My mom was my inspiration this year! When I ask her what she wants for Christmas, she always gives me a cause to donate to in her name. When I was younger, I thought, that's no fun! But actually it is what Christmas is all about! Doing for others. As I get older, I get a greater joy out of doing for others! This year I did things like help a friend assemble gift bags for the needy. Donated to http://www.heifer.org/  - which is a fabulous organization - and was the gift my mom wanted most! Cleaned out my closets and storage space finding all the stuff that could be used or worn by someone else in need and donating it. Wrapped gifts for my friend's kids - just cause I LOVE wrapping gifts and they don't (ha ha). Donated to BARCS - helping a good cause in our city...etc...

I think as adults we should all rethink the whole Christmas thing and change our intentions.
Make it a joyous time of year and not a "to-do" list:

Next year, try this - be PROACTIVE and not REACTIVE:

1. Order gifts online and avoid crowds

2. Go to the grocery store AHEAD of time

3. Buy your turkey from a LOCAL farmer (as well as veggies)

4. Decide to only give gifts to the kids in the family

5. Adults family members: Choose your favorite charity and ask that a donation be made in your name

6.  Do a family activity like ice skating or sledding - something that let's you spend time together w/o any stress involved - just simply fun!

7. Pay it forward...open a door for someone, let a car in ahead of you, help an elderly person reach that can of cranberry sauce on the top shelf, etc....it is contageous...you'll see!

8. GIFT CARDS, GIFTS CARDS, GIFT CARDS - people LOVE them (it is NOT impersonal)

9. Pick an organization close to your heart and volunteer

10. Stop with the meaningless Christmas cards (and let me clarify...don't buy a bunch of cards, sign your name and mail them. People want it personalized. Photos of your family or a note from you about how your family is doing. That is what we want...not a Christmas wish from Hallmark! You know what I am saying?)

OK that is my rant!

Make 2011 a good one!