The Rogue Speaks:
Jenny really did it to me with this Saturday Centus prompt. I must have stared at it off and on for a good thirty minutes. Nothing came to mind except the truth about Christmas for me. I used to love the season, and I prided myself in picking out just the right gift for each person. They were not expensive gifts, but I wrapped them with creativity. One year, when I was particularly broke, an immediate family member insisted that I absolutely had to buy gifts for everyone, and convinced me to use a credit card to do so. That was my first mistake--listening to a person who had never had my best interest at heart. It was down hill from then on.
Just when I thought things might get better, something else happened, and the downward spiral continued to where it is today.
So here is my offering for this week's Centus. Now don't get all sad and try to comfort me about this. I am sure I am not the only person who feels this way about a holiday that is supposed to be Christian, but has lost that spirit over the years. It is what it is:
I am sad this time of the year. I am not a Christmas person. I used to be. When my children were little, I tried to make Christmas happy, exciting. Our tree, the one with its bare side against the wall, the one marked half-price two days before, drooped with handmade ornaments. Stockings were stuffed with nuts and oranges, and little trinkets. Each child had four gifts--one big and three little. Spread out, it looked like more.
Then something happened, and all the joy left. It doesn't have to be that way, but it is.
31 comments:
Yes, Judie I do know how you feel...it is so true...I also know inside my heart, I still today need to feel that magic I knew as a little bright-eyed child who so believed...for when I don't believe I too fall into a really dark place, and I have a lot of happy little faces who I don't dare let them see....not a tear shall drop, just another crayon to the floor as we draw silly things for Grandma or Mommy's refrigerator, I lost my parents this time of year..so Now I am the one who holds it all together...and it keeps me smiling too...you are so right it's not about the big huge important present gleaming from the charge cards, but the happy joy of sharing smiles and hugs...and paper snowflakes...
Now I see what you meant when you commented on my Centus. We were two sides of the same coin this time, weren't we?
Of course, you are not alone in your feelings about Christmas, especially in the last few years. The "Christmas machine" that seems more concerned with dollars than dreams is stealing away the magic, and I don't like it.
Bing Crosby was dreaming of a white Christmas, not a green one...$$$.
"/
PS. New slogan for Sue: Fight the Machine!
Well girl. maybe that's why I am down in the dumps.For me it isn't just buying a gift, kids today want to have $300 xbox's, $400 bikes. It's a break the bank situation when you are on a pension. I sure wish it didn't have to be that way, because there will come a day when grandma has to say "I don't give presents anymore."~Ames
Judie: Every year, I have a fabulous Christmas. I tell my wife, children, and grandchildren I love them, and I mean it. Everything else I leave to everyone else. Merry Christmas!
I'm stumped for ideas for gifts this year....everyone seems to have everything. I'm still in the "my children think it's all magical" stage so I have lots of fun, but we are also having to say 'no' to buying gifts for everyone as,,,it is what it is! Love the take , sorry about the unthoughtful family member, and Merry Christmas anyway....:)
My sister was livid when I told her we were only giving to the children and our parents. She was truly her mother's daughter. My siblings always tried to outdo each other when it came to gifts for my mother. Rod's mother was so unselfish, and so loving--she could be happy with a box of tooth picks! In later years, we tried to give each mother practical but pretty gifts. My siblings thought I was cheap. Rod set a limit on just how much we spent on our parents' gifts, and they were treated equally.
I totally get where you're coming from. Totally!
I'm with you. We don't even put a tree up anymore. Our grown kids have us over so no need. What used to be fun and full of joy seems to have become much more commercialized. Or is it just me?
BTW - LoveD your image in my comment box :) I'll take the wine.
Now that my son is married and lives awy, Christmas is always different from before. I think it is better because we actually think about the whole reason for it rahter than getting caught up in the nonsense. Have a good one!
It is what it is, but I hope a little of the joy and magic will sneak back in for you this year--maybe through the eyes of those darling grandbabies.
Coincidentally, I feel like this, this year. I don't even want to put up Christmas tree..honestly!
this is my first christmas without my dad sad but it will be exciting as my fisrt grandchild will hopefully be here
I love and respect you for telling it as it is, Judie. I wish everyone with fake smiles and words of cheer this time of year would do the same. Let's face it, life ain't easy, especially during the holidays.
Chocolate kisses to you,
xoRobyn
PS I stared at the prompt so long, it inspired nothing.
__As that cartoon subliminally says: the thought... is THE gift.
small gifts
each nights warming hug
mornings kiss
__Best gifts to you all. _m
I'm still staring at the prompt!! I think you could also say "it is what you make it," couldn't you? Not knowing the situation, I mean no disrespect. I hate that each year, it seems to get more commercial than the previous one. We draw names in my family (the four kids, the ball and chain, and me)and that's that. I'll be thinking of you during the holidays, and praying something good happens to you.
I appreciate your courage in telling such an honest Christmas story! But at the same time you make it clear that you're writing a new story with those who--omg, Judie, I only just realized there was a very personal message in here for me, too! Hugs and thanks for that truly meaningful Christmas gift!!!
Tammy, you are one smart cookie! Consider yourself hugged back!!!
oh .... ouch ... that hurts .... and what a horrible person to talk you into to buying things you couldn't afford ... I have always baked and crafted and made gifts so that i could stay within my tiny budget. it's amazing what you can do with left over fabric and some stuffing .... My daughter still gets handmade gifts to this day ... well and really nice boots, or shoes or somthing like that! I hope you can find the joy in the celebration once again ... it doesn't have to be a commercial event.
Presents were almost totally unheard of in my family. From an early age I was raised to think that the true gifts were love, honest communication and oneself, and those one gave every day.
And I thought I was the only one feeling blue this Christmas. All the "if only's." If only the kids did not live so far away. If only the did not have to divide their time between in-laws so much that I actually need to schedule a day during the holidays for a visit. If only there was enough money to take care of their wants and not just their needs. If only I had more wine! Pass me some, will you Judie?
And I thought I was the only one feeling blue this Christmas. All the "if only's." If only the kids did not live so far away. If only the did not have to divide their time between in-laws so much that I actually need to schedule a day during the holidays for a visit. If only there was enough money to take care of their wants and not just their needs. If only I had more wine! Pass me some, will you Judie?
Such a powerful post ~ thanks, Judie and thanks for your dear comments on my blog ~ i try ~ namaste, Carol ~ Remember every day is a hol i day ~ ^_^
Wow, that was poignant, Judie. I just came over to welcome you to my blog for a virtual cup of egg nog...I've got Christmas pics up!!
Christmas to me is always thinking how excited my kids were on Christmas morning....Life changes, doesn't it?
XO
Cindy
This season is a difficult time for many. This, too, shall pass.
Glad that you could enjoy my hydrangeas, even though they don't grow in your heat.
Thanks for your visit.
I can so see you as being someone who creatively makes Christmas special (for the right reasons). I hope it can still happen for all of us.
I'm with ya this year Judie...Blah!
I'm with ya all the way, Judie. But I don't get sad. Next week I'm going to a resort with my honey. Getting away from it all and treating the 25th like every other day... making the best of it and being grateful for what we have instead of bitching about what we don't.
"Christmas," that commercial holiday, is way overblown. such expectations!
One of my favorite Christmases long ago, we had a small child and little money. He got a few gifts; we gave each other coupons.
such a poignant post! I read every comment, too!
hugs to you, Judy, and happy wishes!
Judie,
Telling our truths is always the best way to communicate. I applaud your honesty and could not agree more. No tree for me, either. Without Clint to boss me around about where to place the ornaments, it would be meaningless. Christmas has gotten completely out of hand. I give money to charity in the names of the adults in my family and buy each of the littles a small, carefully chosen gift. I'm not really Granny Grinch, but I'm getting there!
My wish for you happiness and good health and as much eggnog as you can hold.
Namaste..........cj
OH Judie. No comfort...just empathy. This year felt like this so strongly for me. I told my husband I am shaking things up next Christmas. I don't know how...don't know in what way, but I am.
I am inspired by a few books I read lately and all the changes going on in our lives right now.
I think my word for 2012 will be CHANGE!
I have so many thoughts on this whole subject, but my day is wpoken for...completely.
When the Grandlittles are back to school (and all the strep germs banished) let's get together for breakfast or lunch!!!!!!!
You're on! I need to be around one of my own kind for a change, so I don't have to watch what I say!!
xoxo
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