Christmas reclaimed!

For years now, I've called Christmas the Season of Should. I can't really remember the last time I really enjoyed the holidays, or the chaos that accompanies me to the malls and shops during these last few weeks of every year.

Don't get me wrong, I still delight in seeing just the right thing go to just the right person. But most of the persons in my life have everything they need, and most of the things they want. We've moved into the time in our lives when it's all just more crap to accommodate in an already crowded life.

This year, we said enough. I will not buy any more crap, nor do I want any more in my home. Instead, we did all of our shopping at the old Foster Parents Plan - now called Plan Canada. By spending the same amount of money we once would have dropped at Walmart - in a decidedly miserable mood and grumbling all the way - we have now sponsored a veritable menagerie of farm animals, medical supplies, books and other things which will actually make a difference in someone's life.

More important than the avoided stress is the reclaimed Season of Giving.
I'm still eating turkey, though!

giving thanks

All kidding aside, let me say for the record how grateful I am for being a federal employee. I am grateful for the smorgasbord of opportunities before me over the next 17 or so years before I retire; I am grateful for projects with solid long-term goals; I am grateful for those rare opportunities to innovate and create for the greater good.

Add to that our recording studio business and my husband's music career, and I have a full plate. As we get ready to go underground for another cold winter, I'm looking forward to starting my book and recording some backing vocals on Greg's next record.

May your lives be full and satisfying, and may you enjoy the company of those you love and respect.