And so this is Christmas…
As far as Christmas goes, this was like the last few. We get gifts for each other that don’t fit, weren’t what we asked for, or just aren’t right, and end up having to take a bunch of stuff back. As a result of this, we tend to be sullen and disappointed most of the day wondering why we even do it. We try to remind ourselves that it isn’t about the material things but about being together, about spending time with your family. Well, except we aren’t with our family. But we did call them. We had a couple short conversations that interrupted family gatherings and noisy gift exchanges. But we called. That’s something.
Okay, so maybe I’m not that crazy about Christmas. The last two have been particularly challenging for both of us, with me being in school and not having much time to contribute to preparations. Some years I’m better about such matters, about planning and picking gifts. This year I could have done my shopping online like I was encouraged to do. A few years ago I did that and the results were pretty much the same. This year I figured I’d try picking stuff out that I could see, that I thought W. might like. Turns out I wasn’t so good at that this time. She deserves better and that means me not putting things off. I can’t use school as a lame excuse.
So this is Christmas. We watched a couple movies, had left-overs for dinner, and tried not to be grumpy with each other all day. I spent a little time throughout the day dabbling with some watercolors that W. got me, preparing for my twelve part watercolor series that will take place throughout next year. I’m doing another exercise from a beginner watercolor book. It isn’t turning out that good but I’ll get better with practice. Just have to keep on keeping on.
Merry Christmas everybody.
Image: This is our decorated tree with gifts underneath it now waiting to be taken down and packed away. Oh the joy of Christmas.
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5 Responses to “And so this is Christmas…”
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Next year you guys should plan a trip at Christmas and enjoy yourself rather than trying to do the expected Christmas thing. Change is good! I’m hoping New Years works out a bit better for you!
Not a bad idea Dawn. We just might do that. In fact we talked about doing something next year during the holidays and both liked the idea. Maybe we’ll got to Brazil or Florida. Someplace warm.
After the fact, things are never as bad as they seem at the time. We both get a little down at Christmas and don’t really know why exactly. But we work through it and all is well.
Hope things are good for you. This is your last semester! I can hardly believe you’ll be done.
And here I was thinking a ski trip to Utah or Colorado! Brazil?
I think the let down at Christmas is that whatever we do it isn’t as great as it’s pictured to be in advertisements on TV, or our rosy rememberences (maybe) of Christmas as kids. But if you remember, you didn’t get what you wanted back then either! So don’t set yourself up to feel bad because you don’t meet the media and marketing expectations of a holiday, and decide what you two really want to do for a week free of work! And then enjoy.
I gave Christmas a complete pass this year myself. No tree, no Christmas cards, no big family get-together (outside of Thanksgiving at Mom’s). The Husband and I didn’t even formally exchange gifts. He was happy with his XO (One Laptop Per Child), and I was happy with our new kittens, Aaron and Christopher. We cooked up a nice rib roast for Christmas Eve dinner and just chilled out. There’s always next year.
The idea of a trip sounds wonderful! Belize? Costa Rica?
Spike…I say all the commercial crap about Christmas (decorations, gifts, gatherings) can all be set aside. As long as you are with the one you love at Christmas then it is all good. The girl I love is back in Interlochen while I am in Anchorage. For me Christmas is about my kids and watching their faces while opening their presents. During my career I have spent more than one holiday away from my kids in one forien country or another. Listening to them open their presents over the phone doesn’t come close to being there live. My goal for next year is to have both my children and Tammy in the same place.