For those of you who actually follow this blog, you will know that this is my second Christmas I'm Blogging. It's like my second Birthday in the blogsphere :) And for those of you who don't regularly read it, now you know too.
Last Christmas I explained all the traditions our family follows around Christmas, I was caught up in the wonderful feeling of Christmas, with prospects of family holidays and gifts under the tree and a wonderful meal ahead. I could barely wait to spend New Year's with my friend, following our tradition of sitting on the roof and watching the fireworks. It was wonderful.
Call it disillusionment or cynicism, this Christmas is looking a little different. My brother is heading off to Germany for a holiday. My parents don't have money for that and to go away now, so we're staying home. My friend is far away, enjoying New Years with old friends of his. The dinner will be a normal braai (barbecue) and the presents are minimal at best, no-one had money to give anything big with my brother going away.
At this point I must point out that I am extremely fortunate. I have a large house to live in during this Christmas time, I have food to enjoy and even though the presents are small, there are presents.
But all this sop and self-pity is not why I am posting. Right now, Christmas is leaving a rather unsavory taste in my mouth. The prospect of being home a lot has glued me to the couch, either reading or watching television. And don't I just feel the warmth of Christmas Commercialism?
Pumped full of Christmas related movies that are on loop on most television channels. Wonderful scenes of white perfection and a few logs on the fire, advertising a succulent Christmas roast (that I for some reason am never able to make just as perfectly). Every shop has an offer saying just how much you will save on "Christmas Necessities", without which your family will be very sad this Christmas.
I personally am content with the warm, summery Christmas I have here. I have a swimming pool to enjoy in this heat of Christmas. I love the Christmas tree we have. A branch from a tree in our garden. And I look forward to the minimalistic presents that my family bought me, because they bought me things with love in their hearts and minds, focusing their energy on what I love. What more could I ask for?
So dream on for that "White Christmas" with its Christmas tree "among the trees most lovely". I will lie down in the sun on the lawn and look up to a blue sky with my family by my side.
Enjoy your Christmas peeps.
Peace :)
Call it disillusionment or cynicism, this Christmas is looking a little different. My brother is heading off to Germany for a holiday. My parents don't have money for that and to go away now, so we're staying home. My friend is far away, enjoying New Years with old friends of his. The dinner will be a normal braai (barbecue) and the presents are minimal at best, no-one had money to give anything big with my brother going away.
At this point I must point out that I am extremely fortunate. I have a large house to live in during this Christmas time, I have food to enjoy and even though the presents are small, there are presents.
Pumped full of Christmas related movies that are on loop on most television channels. Wonderful scenes of white perfection and a few logs on the fire, advertising a succulent Christmas roast (that I for some reason am never able to make just as perfectly). Every shop has an offer saying just how much you will save on "Christmas Necessities", without which your family will be very sad this Christmas.
I personally am content with the warm, summery Christmas I have here. I have a swimming pool to enjoy in this heat of Christmas. I love the Christmas tree we have. A branch from a tree in our garden. And I look forward to the minimalistic presents that my family bought me, because they bought me things with love in their hearts and minds, focusing their energy on what I love. What more could I ask for?
So dream on for that "White Christmas" with its Christmas tree "among the trees most lovely". I will lie down in the sun on the lawn and look up to a blue sky with my family by my side.
Enjoy your Christmas peeps.
Peace :)
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