Of all the times of year for people to get carried away in rushing around and buying and wanting things....it doesn't make sense! I know there are numerous different stories and legends and traditions that have gotten us to where we are today...I guess. But that doesn't mean we have to ascribe to that! I will admit that there have been times when I have been carried off in the avalanche of what Americans seem to think Christmas is...but the older I get, the less I'm interested in that hustle and bustle. Especially when thsi time of year brings such great dreamy memories of family traditions and christmas eve candlelight services and how the tree looks in the dark with the lights after it's been decorated. It's much more a time of reflection and emotion for me than of all these tangible "must-haves". I don't say that to sound all philosophical or anything, but I really just don't get the stress people end up feeling this time of year- espcially since they're putting it upon themselves. My parents have given my sister and I a "can't live without" present for as long as I can remember getting presents. It's possibly one of the best ideas I've ever experienced- especially as a kid- where we could pick out a toy or whatever, within a defined money amount, and baptize it with the title of "I can't live without this." It was pretty much a sure thing that it would be under the tree- and my mom did a great job of waiting until Christmas morning to put it there, so there was always that underlying adolescent angst that they might not have understood what you asked for!
Over the years, my parents still generously grant our CLW's...but I think I'm finding that what I want most anymore is to be with my loved ones this time of year. More than tangible presents- the love of dear and treasured ones in my life is priceless to me. And the idea of combining that with all the musings of this season- THAT will truly always be my Can't Live Without.
