Bah Humbug. Don’t worry I’m not really Ebenezer Scrooge. I have my moments though, especially with the silly season now upon us. I do the same thing every year and I still haven’t learnt from it. I try to think of ways to spread Christmas present shopping throughout the year. But it never happens because birthdays seem to win every time. Then come late November, the mad rush is on. Every. Single. Time.
I always hope the next year will be different, but nope. That’s Christmas for you, magical and magically draining. Of your funds and your energy. But somewhere, deep down, I still have a love of what the festive is about and watching my girls get all excited, adds that little bit of brightness I sometimes need.
If there’s one thing I feel have somewhat mastered, it’s the Santa visit. As in getting it done early to beat the crowds. I still have one child that probably would have enjoyed pulling teeth more. Anyone would think I was sending her into the land of stinky cheese, the way she recoiled upon seeing the big jolly man in the red suit. We got our Santa photo done with one smiling child sitting perched on Santa’s knee like she’s the Queen. Her younger sister, on the other hand, is quite cheery and settled but on mummy’s lap, next to Santa. Maybe next year?! Secretly I love it, takes me back to my childhood. I’m kidding!! I love it because it’s memories I’m making with my girls and it’s not going to be forever. One day their innocence will fade with the realisation that all is not as it seems and some characters in their lives aren’t as real as they thought. But for now they’re as real as you and me!
But there’s one part of the “fun” of Christmas we hadn’t yet taken part in – Elf on a Shelf. Now, I’ve sat back and watched many a friend explore the fun of taking elf antics to new highs and many lows with some grumbling and groaning as they struggle to find a new spot every day for their Christmas friend. Well now I have joined this illustrious circle of “fun”. We may be a few days into December and we’re going okay, but something tells me by December 20 I may have had enough and JoJo our friendly elf may need some well-earned rest, haha!
I may sound negative about the whole Christmas celebration, but I do love it. I love the present giving, catching up with family and friends, enjoying food and just having a good time. Having two cheeky monkeys get excited about it all, just makes me smile thinking about it. They make everything more fun. Okay well, not everything. But things that remind you about being a kid again. And I can’t wait to see their beautiful smiles and wide excited eyes on Christmas morning. It makes staying up late the night before to prepare presents, ahem I mean making sure Santa’s presents arrive okay, all the more fun.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, however you choose to spend it, enjoy!
Until next time….