Christmas Wishes

I'm not sure when Christmas became the vehicle for all of our dreams to come true.

As children, we wish for stuff. We just know we will be so happy if Santa brings us the latest toy. Come to think of it, I know a few adults who still subscribe to this theory. Those who feel this way are doomed to disappointment. No matter what is under the tree, when all the packages have been opened, they are still sifting through the debris, looking for more. The kids say, "Is that all? Aren't there any more presents?" They could find a pot of gold under there and still be looking for more. It's greed.

As adults, we tend to focus more on family. We have a fantasy in our minds about how we will all get together and get along. We stress and cook and clean and decorate and shop till we are dead broke and exhausted. By the time the big day comes, we are snapping at our loved ones and casting a jaundiced eye on our preparations.

We all need to step back, take a deep breath, and really think about what we are doing.

For a start, nobody really knows what time of year Jesus was born. His birthday was tacked onto a particularly persistent pagan party in an early effort to bring said pagans into the church. Almost every culture, I'm told, has some sort of midwinter solstice celebration. It's a time that, while the worst of the weather may still be ahead of us, at least the days are not getting shorter. The threat that the sun may be leaving forever is over, and a great sigh of relief can be given by all and sundry. No matter what your particular culture calls the party, all it really requires is an acknowledgment.

If visiting the family causes nothing but stress, maybe we should just not do it. Why drive for miles to spend time with folks we don't even call during the year? If we have to be all over our kids with instructions about how to deal with the eccentricities of our family, why bother? You know what I mean; "If Aunt Cassie wants to give you a hug, let her. I don't care if her breath would knock a buzzard off a manure wagon."

How about starting your own traditions that will provide memories for your children that are stress-free and fun? Eschew the lines at the Mall, and the Trail of Lights. Drive around your own neighbourhood and see the lights. Volunteer to wrap gifts for Blue Santa. Visit people at a nursing home. Get together with your friends and go carolling.

Here's heresy for you: skip the turkey and cook a brisket on the grill. Can you tell I live in Texas? Take a poll of your immediate family and see what the majority view is. Who wants to go to Grandma's? Who wants to stay home and barbecue? There is always a possibility that Grandma would opt out of the whole thing, if she felt she could.

In short, just because you have always done it doesn't mean you have to do it forever.

My wish for all of us is to de-stress the holiday and just enjoy it.