Ok, I'll stick my neck out there and say I love Christmas. It a completely chaotic time of year and always has been. We have carolling, food parcels, and things to organise. My parents have worked every Christmas morning since I've been 2, and are frequently called to an emergency at some point. Our tree isn't up yet, but the presents have been bought/planned for months. Yesterday, I bought 80 presents for children and teenagers to go in food parcels. I had a tiny budget, but I loved the fact that I could help those families feel cared for. Walking round a toy shop and choosing sparkly wands, pretty pens, and putty that makes rude noises fills me with a huge sense of joy and fulfillment.
Then, on 22nt December this year it starts on earnest. We lead community carol singing round the town tree, next night it's lessons and carols in a little tiny village church. Christmas eve is our own carol service by candlelight. Christmas lunchtime, after we've been to church, we go and play and sing to the staff and patients at the community hospital. My children come with me, and my daughter loves it. She and her brother hand out sweets ( and kisses!), talk to the people who are clock watching to see if their family is coming, or let the staff know their time away from their own families is appreciated.
And then we come home. Stockings are for before church, main presents for after. Paper flies everywhere. I don't spend much money, but what is spent is worth everypenny. The squeals of 'i always wanted one of those' resound and we help, show and tell. Main food is at tea time, this year there will be 8 of us, and somehow it all happens
I know there are many people who go through the motions, do it for the children or their grandchildren. Some find it a painful reminder of those who are no longer there, or some difficult time in your life. I fully understand that. I'm not here to persuade you otherwise. But Christmas, for me, is filled with a magic that very few get to witness.
