Lessons from Christmas Past

I tend to get sad during the holidays though I’m an upbeat person most of the time. Something about all the hype and feeling out of sync with everyone. I have to remember to be me and not go along with what it seems everyone else is doing or buying.

A couple of days ago I started to make a Christmas list on my phone when I came across a list of notes I made for myself last year. I had forgotten all about it, and am so glad it appeared when I needed it most.

Christmas Lessons

1. Write down every gift as it is bought and where you hid it.
2. Wrap gifts as you buy them. (I enjoy this part, but not when it’s nearly midnight on Christmas Eve.)
3. Limit $ and number of gifts.
4. Stick to it.
5. Just make peanut brittle. It’s fast, easy, and mom’s recipe can’t be beat. Skip fudge (always turn out too dry) and decorated cookies (too much work/mess)
6. Don’t cook things we don’t normally eat just because they are traditional: green bean casserole, sweet potatoes casserole. If it’s just us, splurge on Tong’s Thai or Italian specialties.

We did a lot less gifts this year and still had plenty to open and enjoy. Probably could do less sweets. Nate got a gaming pc, basically the only thing he asked for and is delighted with it. No piles of unappreciated stuff. He also really likes his new wall clock from his uncles.

Don’t be afraid to be different and do what works for your family.