Tis the Season

Merry Christmas everyone.
​I know, I know I'm not politically correct when I say that, but I honestly do not wish it in much relation to religion, but more in a feeling of love, warmth, friendship, kindness, and family. This week I'm doing things a little differently. I have no news on books because I've caught y'all up on everything I have so far, so I'm going to talk about what Christmas means to me.
I grew up in a home where Christmas was spent as a time to be together, be grateful for what we have been given, and of course, to be together. Sure, there were presents but only for us kids. We rarely saw gifts being exchanged between the adults except for the gift to the grandparents, they always got something. I've continued it on with my own children and this coming year my oldest will learn the truth behind Santa.
​*If your child is reading this with you and they are believers please stop, I'd feel horrible to spoil their childhood.*
​For my brother and I Santa never brought expensive gifts or shiny things that we would forget in a day or two. And when we got old enough we figured it all out because Santa always did the dishes. Silly Mom couldn't let them sit overnight. *She's a little OCD when it comes to cleaning anything.*
​Anyways, with my oldest, I tried and tried all year to think of a way to break the news to him and stage one is this.
​We, as in me, told him he is old enough and mature enough to become one of Santa's helpers. He asked what that meant and I told him it would require him to find someone; friend or family member, who could use a little something special in their life. He was to pick one person and only tell me so I could tell Santa. He then had to start figuring out, like a ninja he said, what his person could really need, get the present for this person, wrap it and address it to the person but put FROM SANTA on it. He cannot take the credit for the present and has to see how much joy he has given to his person for the year.
Pretty cool idea right?
​I'm still figuring out the right way to present the fact that Dad and I are Santa to him next year that ties this in but I'm getting a good start to what it will sound like. I have a whole year to piece it together.
So began the search.
​His due date was Halloween, that way Santa had plenty of time to know and didn't have to worry about that person.
​And he picked his great grandma. The poor bird has had a rough year with breaking her leg right before Fourth of July and could use something to truly cheer her up. *She's doing very well by the way, she's in PT and doing great.*
​Big B than began to think of what to get this special lady in his life and we enlisted Grandma's help. We settled on something simple but meaningful to my grandma who holds this time of year close to her heart.
​The present is now wrapped and tucked perfectly under my grandma's tree as of today.
​Of course behind the scenes I'm telling all the adults who will be at my grandma's Christmas Eve and my grandma that they need to act surprised because it is clear that it was wrapped by a child and has familiar handwriting on it.
​So what does all of this mean in how I view Christmas you may be wondering?
​Well, it's simple for me. By working hard to get his great grandma something and not taking credit for it, I'm hoping my son will learn that giving a gift doesn't need to be about getting the recognition or credit for it to feel good. I want his heart to swell with silent pride at what he accomplished and understand that this time of year, no matter the religion, is about being with family and sharing in traditions and the love of one another.
​I will repeat this someday with my younger boy and hope they will continue it on with their children.
​Like the Grinch learned, Christmas isn't about the packaging or the gifts, but something far deeper.
​Now I'm rambling. Whatever your tradition is have hope, joy, and love this holiday season with the ones you love. 

​As for my weekend read, this week I don't have any. Instead, I want to hear what you would recommend. 
​x Brooke