You Just Might be "Christmas-ing" Wrong if... | Batavia, N.Y. Family Lays out Christmas for you

Now that the holidays have come to a close and life can start to drift back to normal, whatever that is, I have decided to write a little Christmas blog post about what I’ve observed during this holiday season. Yes, this may be my business/photography blog, but blogging is also a way for you, my followers/fans, to know who I am as a person. Additionally, to show you that I am a real person with real thoughts behind this computer screen, and I was VERY disappointed to see good people being apologetic for no reason other than what seems to have become the expectations of the season.

I am the kind of person who likes to make people laugh. I really try to make light of most situations. That said, I am very passionate and serious when it comes to showing my children the true meaning of the holidays. I grew up being the family on the other end of those donations that so many kind people donated to. I have yet to have to experience this as an adult, and I hope I never have to, but my children will know that they are very fortunate and to never take that for granted! For me, it’s about family. It’s about eating food until you feel like you’re going to die, and sharing a good laugh with the people you love. It’s about grabbing a coffee and possibly?? undressing a mannequin to get the right size shirt for your sister, because that’s something we will laugh at forever. It’s about watching your father-in-law, the man who has everything, open his “prank box” gift and die of laughter for about five minutes while he’s trying to figure out how to use his paperless butt wiper that you attach to your toilet (not real, y’all. Just a prank!). It’s about seeing your children light up when they get that one gift they’ve been hoping for. The magic of Christmas is those smiles. Those laughs. Those hugs. Those memories you’ve created and will share going forward. Life is too short to be all hung up on the hype of the holidays, and you just might be “Christmas-ing” wrong if you find yourself doing any of these things below.

The first thing I witnessed this holiday season was a complaint about not being invited to holiday parties, and that they were a little depressed about it. Depressed? Seriously?! Listen, people! If you are “depressed” about not being invited to a holiday party, throw your own damn party, and maybe spend some time with someone who is truly depressed, because you are definitely using that word wrong!

Number one- (I saw this post in a moms group on FB. I loathe FB moms groups.) What does posting it on social media resolve other than getting a bunch of people who only know one side of the story upset for you?

Number two- Can we consider that we are all human and it is very easy to forget to add a person to the guest list. I’ve done it a million times! There’s no malice involved. It’s purely innocent and unintentional.

Number three- Sometimes space is limited. We’ve all thrown at least one party in our lives. Let’s be honest, once you start that guest list all hell breaks loose and it seems like you’re constantly adding “just one more person”.

Number four- If you’re going to be so upset over a party, THROW YOUR OWN PARTY! I didn’t know the holidays were about the need to be invited to parties. Honestly, this time of year is so hectic, it’s a gift when I get to stay home in my pj’s, drink wine, and binge on a series or watch a movie with my family. Be grateful for the things you DO HAVE!

Next up- CARDS

Stop apologizing if your holiday cards are late! I always say they’re just early for the next Christmas. If someone is upset that they got your card late, then I think it’s time to make your card list a little shorter next year. You took the time out of your busy schedule to fill out and send cards, the date of their arrival is irrelevant in my book. So, if you are complaining about Christmas cards- GET OVER IT! There are far worse things in life to get annoyed with.

Lastly- GIFTS

When we lived in T.N. it was very difficult for us to purchase 3+ plane tickets and to also bring/afford christmas gifts. We always told everyone that we were their gift! Our family understood. I love giving gifts to people. I always have. So when we moved back home and were in a financial position to be able to give gifts, we did. Every year it’s roughly the same list, but this year I added another person. When I handed over the gift, their response was, “thank you! I’m going to have to put together a new list for next year." HOLD IT!! If you think I’m giving you a gift because I am expecting one in return, you’re wrong! I give gifts because I want to, not because I want one in return. If this is how you are gifting, you’re doing it wrong. I only want you to give me a gift if you want to. Not because you feel obligated to do so. Y’all, I asked my husband for slippers for Christmas! Freaking slippers! But, you know what? I freaking LOVE my slippers!

Now that my vent is over, I would advise all of those that are getting upset over holiday parties, Christmas cards, and gifts to really take a step back and open your hearts to what the holidays are all about.

This is often the only time families all get together, break bread, and reminisce. The gifts. The cards. The parties. That’s all just an added bonus! You know why the holidays are so stressful? Because we seemed to have forgotten what the holidays are really about; being with one another.