My Christmas/Holiday Wish For All
Merry Christmas to everyone here on TUG. I suppose I could leave it at that, but if you will allow me . . . I'd like to post just a little bit more about what the holidays mean to me.
I miss the holidays with my "Tison" family; I fondly remember what it was like as a child and later as an aunt to Michael and Karl. Christmas for me as an adult, was always about the kids.
I love the spirit of the season, but also dislike the commercialism that has happened. Working over 20 years in retail before coming into the NFP sector, I actually enjoyed the Christmas season too. I may be the only person ever who fondly remembers working in retail at Christmas! But somewhere in time, that has changed too.
And for that reason, I find it more and more difficult to "celebrate" in the traditional manner with gifts and decorations. I often feel guilty that I've become Ebenezer Scrooge or The Grinch.
Now as an adult with no kids of my own, I find the Christmas holiday more about sharing the beauty of the season with those dear to me. Travel has become a common theme, although this Christmas we are home at Casa Bennett not traveling until the week after.
With sisters on either coast, and my parents long since departed, my inner Tison sometimes feels empty during this time of the year. But I accept and embrace the love of my Wisconsin Family . . . David and all who surround me in love today.
We share and express our appreciation and love for one another throughout the year, 365 days . . . not just this one. When we know someone would appreciate something, we buy it now and let them start enjoying it immediately rather than waiting weeks or months.
In the big scheme of things, David, Heidi and I live a pretty blessed life! We want for nothing, and enjoy the company of our family and friends when they are with us. We don't need to wait for the holidays, as there is wonderment all around when you are with loved ones.
And it doesn't take Christmas to experience a miracle. I know this firsthand as my own special miracle came in March this year.
So my Christmas wish for everyone is that you love and give, receive and experience, throughout the seasons wherever you are and in the company of those who you share this precious life with.
God bless and keep us all!
Von
