[StrawberryFields]

Thank you Shanstress.

I have been re-thinking my approach to Christmas this year. Christmas used to be for me similar to your description. I used to be much more creative then I have time for these days. I loved the "hunt" for that perfect gift, the gift that would make the receiver say "wow". Now I don't even want try to pretend I know what they want. I would just prefer to give the person I am buying for, the money right now, and tell them that while they are shopping to buy themselves a gift from me. I don't mind giving and I understand that that to is part of the spirit of Christmas. Except for the children, I think for them, the anticipation and the surprise factor is still worth the gift buying. As adults, I feel that the magical time comes in watching the children and their expressions.

I still enjoy the festivities and the spirit of Christmas. I enjoy the decorations and the splendor that is brought through the true meaning of Christmas. I enjoy giving to those who are in need and they sometimes can be found as close as our own extended families.

This change in my approach to Christmas has been coming on for a few years. Maybe the change has something to do with my children getting older. I wonder if this is normal or it has to do with the events in my life over the past couple of years. I worry some that it might be brought on from our lack of need, and coming up with ideas for those who buy for us is a real pain. I remember my mom almost becoming angry when I would tell her that we really don't need a thing. Feelings of anger and stress don't belong in the gift giving process in my opinion.

My husband and I just had our birthdays, and when asked what we wanted from his parents, we told them to just take us to dinner. We would my more enjoy spending time with them then we would a trinket of some sort.