Hello, dear readers! 
Christmas is nearly here!
How quickly the years go by these days. It feels like I get past one Christmas only to find the next one around the corner.
You may have realised that Christmas is no longer my favourite time of year. I have, in fact come to the point where I find it extremely stressful.
Childhood Christmases
As a child I had little expectation of lots of presents under the tree. Santa would come and leave a stocking with some fruit, a few sweets and probably some socks. Under the tree would be a present for each of us (I have 2 sisters and a brother) which we cherished.
The rest of the festivities would be about seeing family, going to Christmas mass on Christmas eve, putting up lights and the tree which was very traditional in our family. The tree went up on Christmas eve and came down 12 days later. We would have visits from friends and family and my Mum would cook an amazing Christmas dinner followed by left over with bubble and squeak on boxing day.
Our Parenthood Christmases
Even when my children were growing up, money was tight and there was no expectation that Father Christmas would leave them hoards of gifts. They always chose something that would be valued and looked after because it meant a lot to them. We would have an open house where anyone could visit and believe me, many came with food and drink for all. It wasn’t lavish but it was really enjoyable.
Christmas Nowadays
These days I feel like the meaning of Christmas has been lost amongst the frenzy to buy the latest gadget, toy or computer game on the market. I was chatting to someone with small children the other day and she shared her son wants 3 presents which are going to cost in the region of £1000.00.
Her daughter wanted presents that were more in number but not as expensive, but she felt she needed to buy more for her son as he wouldn’t have as many gifts to open. He is 10 years old. I was flabbergasted!
This while there are children and families suffering hardship.
My Own Christmas Thoughts
As I sit here wondering what to get my Grandchildren for Christmas, I wonder how many will not pay bills or amass enormous credit card debt in order to buy their child a good Christmas.
Christmas should be a time to reflect on how lucky we are to have the things that matter – family and friends that love us, a roof over our head and food on the table. It seems we have commercialized Christmas to the point where it has lost much of its meaning.
That being said, I still have fun and enjoy my time with my family who don’t have the opportunity to get together very often.
Whatever you are doing I wish you a Very Happy Christmas and a healthy and happy 2025!
Linda
Let’s Reflect:
What do you remember of your childhood Christmases? How have things changed through the years? How do you celebrate Christmas these days? Do you enter a shopping frenzy for children and grandchildren?
