It is a cliche to say it, but how did the year go by so fast? Christmas is upon is yet again. I admit to being borderline obsessed with Christmas decorations. I love pulling out the tree, inspecting each decoration for breakage and telling the stories that go along with them. Old fashioned music sets the scene and thumpity thump thump away we go. This year I put the tree in front of the window so the masses trapped in traffic outside my window can have a beacon of love and happiness to remind them of what they are going home to.
Too bad the theme in most conversations is shopping. Have you done it, what are you getting, wanting etc ect. Scott and I have only really bought each other Christmas gifts once. It was while we were living abroad and I think it was more of a comfort than a necessity. I did like the feeling of hunting high and low for that special item and how good it felt to surprise him. He still has his main gift (black down vest) and loves it. I still have my main gift (pair of tasteful hoop earrings) and love them. Most of what we love about those gifts are the stories behind them. We love to remember how our dear friends helped us shop, and to translate what we wanted. Those lovely girls Fancy and Sheena went out with us on their school holiday in a blinding snow storm to help us have the spirit of Christmas. I do still love the earrings but more so I love the memory of having good friends to care for us and the coffee we shared after the shopping.
As for my gifts, I have made the majority of them. I cannot say what now as they obviously have not yet been given, but I hope they will be enjoyed. If not I am OK with that too. I did purchase something in the summer that I thought would be more like a memory of Vancouver for a few ladies in my family. I do cards and send them out to everyone who makes a mark on my life in a way big or small. There are a million cards that I could send, but I am limited in who I have addresses and contacts for. I love the feeling of seeing a pretty red envelope in hand with a stack of bills and junk. I brings me so much joy to give and receive the cards as to me it is the spirit of Christmas. Sharing a blessing, your love, and remembering those who care for you.
The commercialism is not a part of my world and I do not miss it one bit. I prefer my environment to be simple. I dislike the clutter of half done, or rarely used items. I know that we will be moving in the new year and have a good idea of our future home. It has so much cupboard and closet space that I am worried it will tempt me to fill it with junk. I must stand strong! This does not mean depriving myself of what I do need, but just making me more conscious of why I have something and if I actually need it.
Recently I donated BOXES of things away, some new items still with tags, things I never used, or just did not match who I am anymore. The woman to took them said she was going to buy most of it. haha It makes me happy that I was able to release those things. I realised that they were either items that were handed down to me by friends (who got them as gifts by well meaning but misguided loved ones) or things that I acquired for FUTURE JENNY. She was holding up a lot of real estate in current Jenny's life. It felt like if I gave those things up that I was giving up on my dreams. I had to change my vision on the future to one of abundance and ease. All the things I will need in those times will come to me easily and without hardship. With that intention in my heart I released the things I was not using now to someone who hopefully will use and appreciate them now.
So this Christmas, know that all your friends and loved ones really need is just a word from you, if you really want to give a gift then let it be something that a person has expressed a desire for, or something consumable such as baking or a candle. The best gift is always just you!
