It's here, the official "Holiday Season." Every year, same time, same place. This year, however, has been a weird one. It has not been business as usual for so many of us. It has been tough and the year ahead is unknown. I think we all are wondering. I think we all are a bit fearful. I think we all should just stop watching the news! Talk about needing depression meds!
I work fulltime in construction. New home construction that is. Of course, unless you have been living in a hole, you know what is going on with that market right now. The weird thing is that even though I am facing "layoff," even though I need a job to pay my bills, even though I'm not sure what the next six months will bring, I am happy. For some odd reason and for some weirdo belief I have, I feel there is a reason for everything and that my path of the past nine years is being adjusted. I feel a new direction coming. One that I've been waiting for. One that took me until I was almost 41 to find. I was worried, but now I'm not. I'm grateful for the "new beginnings" that will come my way. More on this later.
With all that being said, I have discussed the whole "Christmas" gift giving thing with everyone I exchange gifts with. Isn't it amazing that when one person has the guts to say, "why don't we just stop exchanging," everyone breaths a sigh of relief? I mean when you think about it, if I spend $20 on you and you spend $20 on me and the whole time we're really wanting to purchase something for ourselves for the said $20, but we can't because we have to by someone else something that they probably will "regift" or give to Goodwill, what's the point???? Stuuuupppid I tell ya! I started a new trend this year. I only buy for the little kiddo's. I told the adults to save their money and go buy themselves something they wanted and show me what they got with the money they didn't have to spend on me. Makes me so happy!!! It's impossible to buy for someone else when you're older. But.... we all want thing for ourselves! We all have something that we really want, but don't want to be rude and tell said relative "buy me this." Really, what's the point??
Everyone shouted with joy. Everyone thought it was a great idea. Everyone felt the weight lifted off their shoulders and Everyone thought about the gift they wanted to purchase for themselves.
I had the joy of purchasing from one of my favorite artists
Diane Duda. I purchased a piece of her art entitled "She believed in spontaneous dancing." It depicts a blonde haired girl dancing with a bunny. Hellooooooooo!!! Can we say totally me!!!!! Love it!!!! Merry Christmas to me!!! A gift I will treasure forever! A gift I will keep! A gift that is all about me!! What will you buy yourself? Don't lie, I know you have something you want. The joy is in the giving. Giving what counts, not wasting money on what doesn't.
The only draw back, the only thing I find sad, the only thing I will miss, is the gift wrapping. I really enjoy wrapping presents and making them little pieces of art that people don't want to open because they are so pretty. I will miss packages under the tree. I will miss opening something on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. However, not having to spend hard earned, hard to come by, might not be there soon, money on something that someone might not like and instead get to purchase myself a gift that is truly meaningful, is well... perfect! Yep... the only thing I will miss is the Wrapping.
I hope your Christmas is filled with purchases that mean something to you. Truly, all that matters is time with friends and loved one's. Enjoying a meal together over wonderful conversation. Laughter and lots of it! Everything else is just icing on the already perfect cake.
Hugs,
Shell
This week IGF family and friends that know they are the perfect "Wrapping" on the perfect gift.
So... are you feeling like a Chunky Bunny???
Do you feel sleepy???
Have you had too many naps???
