As an agnostic, the holiday season isn’t about a specific holiday (although our little family does celebrate Christmas). It’s more about being thankful for what you have. A time for showing an appreciation for friends and family through the exchange of gifts, good food, and holiday parties. Regardless of your religious views, it’s hard not to get behind a season that celebrates family and friends.
Coming from a family with multiple branches the holiday season is really a five or six week affair that begins with Thanksgiving and goes through New Year’s day. I have not only my Dad’s side of the family as well as my Mom’s side of the family to celebrate with, but there’s festivities to schedule with my ex-husbands side of the family (for the benefit of our son), as well as my hubby’s family to schedule in too. Not to mention Christmas morning when I get to enjoy a little holiday spirit shared by just the three of us; my son, my hubby and I. Even with all that running around, and hosting of gatherings at our own house, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
This year my dad and step-mom came up a few weeks earlier than usual. Instead of cramming a few dinners in here and there right before Christmas, we had the whole weekend to enjoy each other’s company. We spent practically the whole Saturday making Grandma Cookies with all 3 grandkids as well as enjoying the nice weather. We capped the evening off with Saint Louis style pizza and movies. By Sunday, my brother and sister-in-law were back in town, so we gathered at their house once again. This time to have a more traditional ‘Christmas’ dinner, as well as to relax, catch up, and of course open presents.
When you get right down to it, that’s the true meaning of the holiday season. Friends, family and celebrating each other. It doesn’t matter what god you celebrate (if any), or what belief system you choose to belong to. The holidays should be a time to reflect, and enjoy all of the wonderful things that life has to offer.
Happy Holidays, from me to you!
