Thursday, December 17, 2009

Bah Humbug/Hum Bahbug

As far as I could remember, Christmas was my all time favorite holliday. I'd always be excited for Santa, the lights, decorations and Christmas Specials on TV. I loved going Christmas shopping with my parents until I was old enough to go on my own, and snooping around with my siblings for our gifts when Mom and Dad left the house for any period of time.
A few days ago, Mom asked me out of the blue what my favorite Christmas memory was. Though this question seemed simple, it wasn't. I had quite a few memories that I loved, Grandma coming over Christmas morning to watch us open gifts, siblings keeping me up all night waiting for the OK from Mom and Dad to see what Santa brought, and looking at lights on Christmas Eve and exchanging gifts with Grandma and Grandpa on the way home.
Out of these memories, and others, the one that sticks out the most is the late nights with my siblings. I remember being so excited for Santa to come when I went to bed, and just as I doze off, I'd hear a light tap on my door, usually around 1am. It'd be one of my brothers, as I was sharing a room with Heather, and they'd come sit on the bed and talk with me until it was time to open presents. We'd try to figure out what we got, tell each other what we bought people, and just spend some good quality time together.
As the years progressed and we each went our own ways, the joys of Christmas for me turned in to Giving, rather than receiving. I loved to find out what people wanted, go out and find the perfect gift for everyone, and pray they liked it. The last 5yrs or so, that joy has faded for me, and this year, I just can't seem to get into the "spirit" of Christmas. I feel I have totally become a scrooge. I don't know if this is because I'm overwhelmed with making gifts for people this year, or because everyone I know has kids to share their Christmas with, or just because I can't seem to do what I want to for everyone this year. I know that it does hurt knowing that my siblings and other friends who DO have kids get to experience something that I've been jealous of since I have been unable to have kids, the look of extreme joy on their faces Christmas Morning when they open their gifts and see what Santa brought them.
I really don't know for sure why I feel this way this year, I know part of it is the parental, no kid thing, but it's not the main reason. All I know is that it's really bothering me, and I hope I can get out of it. If you click on the title of this post, you'll be taken to the song that best describes my feeling for this Christmas. Feel free to take a look and as usual, your opinions and thoughts are welcomed.

3 comments:

Chrystal said...

I don't think I had heard that Christmas song before. I like it! I know the holidays can be hard, but be grateful for a great family to spend it with!

Jessica said...

It's one of my favorites. It came out when "The Grinch" was released. I am grateful for my family, I really am, just wish I could shake this feeling.

DAN said...

It is what you make it, if you rely on others for how you feel you will always feel crappy. We love you and hope you enjoy your Christmas. Remember you have family to spend it with.