Stuff That in Your Stocking

Less than a week before the first of December and the official holiday madness takes over. Well, at least for some of us that is. This year’s Christmas looks different for my family, but I intend on keeping it as magical as possible for my kid. After putting up our Countdown to Christmas paper chain, the elf’s arrival came up because that is our real marker for the holiday season to begin. So today I have to dig around for wherever the hell I put it away, make sure I have the tiny stationary ready, and find the props that keep our elf up to mischief. (Quick note: this is not a “be good or else” kind of elf, it’s purely here for fun and to make sure Santa is on the up-and-up about gift requests.)

As the holiday comes and goes, it seems like each year is less and less about gifts to me (or at least for me) and I realize how much the traditions count. This is the one time of year I wish I had a bigger family or social circle, no matter how times I will see people bemoaning the arrival of house guests and all the cooking, shopping, and cleaning up that comes along with it. There is so much warmth and love to appreciate from all the people in your life, and being able to share moments with them that will be remembered for years to come. Playing games, sneaking presents away from each other, cooking dinner, decorating cookies, dressing up the tree, all those things can get frustrating in the moment until you look back and see how lovely it really was.

Even though part of my intent with this blog is to showcase gift ideas and shopping guides, I don’t want anyone to forget what is supposed to be the core of the holidays. Especially for lonelier people like myself, it’s easy to stick to the commercial value of holiday celebrations. Don’t forget to give yourself a big present this season, whether that’s a new coat, a video game, or a day doing whatever makes you feel happiest. Make it special for yourself!