The presents are open, the family has gone home, and I am once again left thinking that it's all just too much. First I thought it was too much bother to get ready for Christmas. Shopping, decorating, just a touch of fussing - I swear, if it weren't for Rowan I'd cancel the whole holiday.
I loved having our moms down for a visit, and even my nephew Bodie was fun to have around (he's seven - a good kid, but seven-year-old boys just take tolerance). The kids had a great time sledding and playing, and managed not to fight at all. I'm easily overwhelmed by a houseful, however, so a few days was plenty.
I think it's the whole gift-giving thing that drives me the most crazy. Who are we going to give gifts to and who aren't we? I've pared our list way down over the years - if you're not in the room, you don't get a gift. Mostly, this decision was based on the frustration of not knowing what to get people, kids or adults. Those who live far away with whom we might exchange gifts (and some do send us presents), we don't really know well enough to know what they'd want. I hope that we express our affection in enough other ways that they know we love them, even if we don't send stuff.
Even with those in the room, though, there's still a significant amount of frustration, especially for the adults. For the past several years, Thane, both moms and I have been agreeing that buying gifts for each other gets harder and harder. None of us wants more stuff in our lives, what we do want or need we buy when we need it, and the things we don't buy for ourselves no on else can afford to buy us either.
This year, again, we've agreed that next year will be different. We're going to give each other one gift, and that gift has to be handmade. It remains to be seen, however, if we'll stick to this Christmas resolution.
It's really not much better with the kids. Early in November, I asked Rowan what she wanted for Christmas. After several moments thought, she replied, "I really can't think of anything." Of course, she repeatedly changed her mind after that, but nothing she subsequently mentioned was anything she really wanted - it was just stuff.
I read a blog post a week or so ago (sorry, I don't remember whose) that had a little rhyme to guide gift buying for kids: one thing that they want, one thing that they need, one thing to wear, one thing to read. Really, it's just about a perfect formula. Enough items that I don't feel like I'm totally depriving my child, but few enough that she won't end up with a ton more stuff to cram into her room. Another Christmas resolution for next year.
Now, if I can just convince Rowan that we can take down all the decorations before the tree loses its needles. It's just too much; I want my house back!
The best part of Christmas: playing with family and friends.
