What Was The Point? A Post Christmas Rant… Kind of!
As I sit here and look at what the day ahead has in store for me I can’t help but think “What was the point?”
We prepare weeks, sometimes months and for others all year round; all for just one day. Granted my house is never as clean as it is unless I am having company over, the couch gets cleaned, floors get washed and EVERYTHING gets a good dusting. All for what… to stay clean for a measly hour; then the company gets here, the presents start being opened and it looks like a bomb has struck the house once again.
So much food, I swear with the amount of food that we had we probably could have fed a small army and don’t even get me started on the desserts… I knew it would happen but when there are sweets involved my waist says “Stop!” and my taste buds say “More!” It all gets a little confusing, my head starts twisting and turning in every direction and in the end my stomach feels like it’s going to explode because my taste buds have won the war and my waistline ends up hating me the next day.
Money, money, money… Oh the amount that is spent; buying gifts, food, cleaning supplies, decorations… the list of what needs to be bought is endless when it comes to Christmas. If I try to start early to make it lighter on my pocket, I find more on my shopping adventures and spend even more money than I had intended.
We basically torture ourselves in every aspect - physically and mentally. After a lot of thought I have come to the conclusion of one reason only and this one reason makes all of the not so fun aspects of Christmas just disappear.
And that one thing is FAMILY! The excitement in my children’s voices as they talk about that one day, the joy on their faces as they turn the corner and see everything that Santa left them under the tree, the surprise and aww that I can tell they feel as they open their gifts. Although, they make it all worth it, it’s not just them that makes the holidays complete for me it’s being surrounded by everyone else who I love… my mom, dad, brother, in-laws, cousins, aunts and uncles. As I’ve gotten older I find that life has gotten the better of me and I just don’t have as much time for anyone like I used to. Sitting around the table having a meal together, playing games and reminiscing about old times… sometimes you just need to take a break from everything that is holding you back and just be together as a family. I am reminded every day by “life” that, life is short and you need to make time for those around you that you hold near to your heart. That my friend is; what the point of Christmas is.
11 Comments
Ladena
I so agree with you. The before Christmas rush is crazy. I tried to spread it out and not overdo it this year and I have to say, it worked out. I was still picking up little things until the 24th but I wasn’t stressed. Our family dinner was the best part for me too!
Amanda Komoski
The only thing that stresses me out when I do that is the fact that I can’t help myself when I am out shopping, if I see it and know they will want it I will buy it. I know it’s horrible but it’s what I’ve always done and I NEED to get out of that. I’m just not sure how LOL.
Jenn
I totally agree with you! You have to step back from the holiday and see the true meaning. For me, it is FAMILY of course! It is hanging out with people you hardly see all year due to the chaios we call life, its a time to give back (I try to adopt a family, donate, etc) and my favourite! Playing SANTA!
Amanda Komoski
Yet another thing I was unable to do this year due to the craziness of life, I really wanted to give back. We have so many unopened toys and clothes that the kids have only worn once that no longer fit. Next year a few little boys will be really happy with the load that we have to donate.
Randa @ TBK
Ugh, the money but I agree - it’s all worth it in the end.
Having a clean house is the cherry on top of the sundae. That being said, Christmas morning usually tears that up.
Amanda Komoski
I agree the clean house is definitely a bonus. Even if it is only enjoyed for a few hours 🙂
Aeryn Lynne
OMGosh, I need to find that Hulk pillow, LOL! 🙂
I entirely hear you about why the heck do we go through so much hassle, it’s truly nuts at times. For my side of the family, if it weren’t for Christmas, we probably wouldn’t really see each other at all. We’re all spread across North America, so it’s the one time of the year that we finally make time for each other. For TheHubs side of the family, he has a hard time trying to understand all the hoopla, mostly cause he didn’t grow up with these events at home, that and we see his extended family three times a week or so, so we don’t really need a big dinner/Christmas to congregate and catch up, lol. Despite the crazy, I wouldn’t change any of it! 🙂 Merry Christmas!
Amanda Komoski
Me and my family have always been close, it just seems like the older we get the less time there is. Unless there is a family function I don’t even talk to or see my brother, not for lack of wanting I just don’t think he’s a phone talking guy. He can’t even return my texts lol. P.S the pillow is from Walmart. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Bonnie Way
I totally agree! Although we travel for Christmas, so I didn’t have to do any cleaning or cooking… there was still a ton of food (we had three turkey dinners) but for me, Christmas is all about family and I LOVE seeing everyone over the holidays. Plus the kids make it so much fun… they are so excited!!! 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
Stephanie Keeping
I love Christmas for the time with the family. However it does come and go pretty quickly and requires a lot of work.
Victoria Ess
I often have the same thoughts around the holiday season. I definitely find family and friends the most enjoyable aspect of Christmas by far.