This evening I embark on making cards: an attempt to instill some Christmas cheer. I must have missed out on the festive gene, hatred is perhaps too strong a word but one that springs to mind when the so called Silly Season rolls around.
Christmas as a parent is different. Whilst BB is still to little to understand it has me thinking about the future, and how to turn this plastic-fantastic month of spending into one containing humble values and traditions.
I asked PB if we should get a tree but he said no, let's wait until she's older. We'll spend Christmas with my parents and bask in the glory of their tree for now – a superb coruscating mess, as it has always been. One year my dad adorned the tree with bulbs of grapes that were programmed to flash to different tinny carols. Perhaps this has cemented my belief that when decorating a Christmas tree the crapper the better. Clearly the same approach I am taking with my cards.
PS. I must admit have a strong appreciation for people that go all out. (Hi Alenka!) I actually think it's pretty rad, just not for me.
I do love Christmas - but not as much as my Mum who is like an elf on smack (her term not mine) at this time of year. There really is only so much gaudy I can take. Great cards!
ReplyDeleteit looks like santa may have thrown up in my house. my kids love it!!! apparantly i am 'lacking in christmas spirit' because i draw the line at putting hdeous reindeer antlers and a red nose on the car .... what's with those??!?
ReplyDeletei love christmas. but it is getting harder each year as the kids get older to maintain that balance of the 'real reason for the season' and all the things that they would love to own.
hope you find some joy x
Yep, I'm a serious Christmas addict. But we do avoid plastic-fantastic at all costs and ours has been a budget Christmas this year, that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of your Dad's tree decorating. Bulbs of flashing grapes? That's got to be one of the most genius decorations I've ever heard of xx
i thought i was queen christmas grouch. i have been feeling very inadequate with my negativity seeing others amazingly original efforts to decorate. wow Alenka is very talented. but with little one, yes how will i now be. i can feel deep feelings of maybe making it a time for joy and gratitude, and less is more, is ok. sweet little cards. this year we will not be with babcia and ja ja(?) but with gam- ma and popman. best wishes for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree about the Christmas tree. No matter what you do they are pretty tacky. Might as well go all out...
ReplyDeletei love christmas, for me it's about family, traditions and the memories that now as an adult i look back on and cherish. love the cards. x
ReplyDeleteI`m with Jaclyn. I have the most amazing memories of xmas as a child. My mum really embraced it and we always had such fun. I think it`s nice to look forward to something special with family at the end of the year. It doesn`t have to be plastic-fantastic. Oli said to me the other day that he was just so excited about Xmas and it reminded me of how i felt as a kid, every year around this time. And still kinda do! Oh, and I totally disagree about the crappy tree. There will be no tinsel in this house. Ever. You need to get your creative groove on. The cards are an excellent start! x
ReplyDeletewe celebrate Solstice at our house. it's a celebration of nature, which is real. our kids love making gifts and enjoy the sights, smells and wonder of winter. It has been a relief to not participate in a holiday that has become so cheapened by consumerism.
ReplyDeleteRight now we're out of a Christmas tree, but apart of me feels bad for not having one up even though my little one wont remember a thing about this. If we decide to still do without one, it's good to have another family with us.
ReplyDeleteI grew up with a similar aesthetic approach to holiday decorating. I am gazing at our tree as I sit here with my coffee, and it appears as if all of our xmas boxes threw themselves at the tree...though it makes part of me cringe, the rest of me is all grins every time I see our silly tree throughout the day.
ReplyDeletei love Christmas but it always stresses me out! i feel awful that i haven't and probably won't even send cards out. awful!
ReplyDeleteNo decoration here so far. I am not buying any decoration, I'd rather make it myself it makes much more sense. I would go for something very simple, very white and natural colours, very handmade, but haven't found time/ideas so far. It's coming, but I think I 'will be packing all our stuff to spend Christmas at my in-laws when the ideas will start popping :)
ReplyDeleteI love your little cards! Ha, so funny.
I love Christmas time, not at all for the tacky plastic but for the traditions, the family and some simple, thoughtful presents given and received. We're in a similar boat to you and PB, figuring out how we want to celebrate it with our little man. He's too small this year but I still made a little Christmas garland and put a few pretty things up. Your cards look cute!
ReplyDeleteChristmas with my little ones has bought on a whole new meaning/excitement/appreciation. I love playing Santa!!! Perhaps when BB grows up and you hear the excitement in her voice you will enjoy Christmas more. Great cards too xx
ReplyDeleteThe only part of Christmas that I love is the singing. Carols, midnight mass, those all get me all teary, everything else I could leave.
ReplyDeleteI have no idea how to create lasting traditions for our baby - especially without needless consumption and unwanted debt. I guess they will just come? Or we'll see what seems important to her and do more of that?
As you know I'm a lover of Christmas! Like 'Fast Times in München' my Mum embraced Chrissy too and we also had soo much fun and we still do.. for me it's all about magic, I love getting up in the middle of the night (these days for feeding) and coming out to sit by the twinkling tree with a glass of warm milk.. Every time I hear Bing Crosby or Perry Como I immediately am taken back to my childhood.. excitedly waiting at the top of the stairs with my sister for Mum to put 'The Christmas Song' on before coming down to see what surprises have been left under the tree.. I love reading the same pop up books that I've had for the past 27 years that sit under my Mum's tree and still stir up the magic... and of course, as much crafting as possible; cards, decorations, wreaths, advent calendars.. & now I'm way excited to recreate it all with my hubby and baby boy. So much joy!
ReplyDeletei love the idea i heard recently that at xmas time the stars are much closer to the earth, and so it is a time for channeling of light to humankind. how beautiful is that!
ReplyDeletein our family we are trying to remember that at this time a little boy was born who had his own intention of spreading peace and goodwill throughout the wold, and trying to spread similar throughout ours!