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We Don’t Need Anything This Christmas

by 20 Comments

We’d planned on spending this holiday season in our newly remodeled lake home. The kids would be home from college and it would be our first time celebrating a holiday together since we sold our house last fall.

I envisioned the flames dancing in our beautiful new gas stove and the Christmas tree twinkling in the alcove. It would be different than in years past, but exciting too. We would bake cookies in our new oven and drink a glass of wine at our new dining room table while looking at the lake.

I wanted to enjoy a wonderful Christmas in our new home.

But that isn’t going to happen. Scaling up our renovation set our project timeline back about six weeks. Instead of gazing at our Christmas lights, we’re staring at piles of boxes. We’re living in a small rental cottage and most of our belongings are still in storage– including all of our Christmas stuff.

We could have dug through the storage unit to find the Christmas decorations or purchased something new to show our holiday spirit. But we didn’t. And you know what – we’re all going to be just fine.

Because we really don’t need anything this Christmas.

We have a roof over our heads and plenty of food in the refrigerator. We may be pulling clothes out of suitcases, but we have plenty to choose from. We didn’t use fancy wrapping on our presents this year, but we’ll still exchange them. And we’ll leave the cold and snow behind tomorrow, when we get on a plane to go see family.

Instead of focusing on what we’re missing out on, we’re appreciating what we have and what we get to do.

And I was reminded of that as I drove through town today. Cars were backed up, but it wasn’t because people were finishing up their Christmas shopping. They were leaving church after the funeral service of a recent graduate of our schools. He died in a car accident this week – one day before coming home from college for the holidays. I didn’t know him well, but his Mom is a teacher and his grandmother was a colleague of mine for years.

I’m sure his family wanted a very different Christmas too.

As you go about your holiday festivities, cherish what you have and don’t take those around you for granted. Remember that we all celebrate the holidays in different ways. And sadly, some won’t be celebrating at all this year. Try not to measure the success of your holidays by comparing your life to your social media feeds. A smarter decision is to focus on what you have and remember that it isn’t a competition.

It’s hard to believe that it’s New Year’s Eve in just over a week. I’ll be back writing more consistently as things settle down after our move. I have a lot to share, but I’m putting “first things first” right now. I appreciate you following our journey.

Have a wonderful and safe holiday season!

 

Image Credit: Rafal Pietrzak @freeimages.com

Comments

  1. So sad about that young man, Vicki. Thanks for reminding us to keep our priorities straight.

    I’m looking forward to what 2018 has in store for you. Wishing you and your family a merry Christmas. You’ll be MORE than fine!
    Mrs. Groovy recently posted…See You in 2018My Profile

    Reply

  2. A sobering reminder. No matter what time of year I hate hearing stories like this. Time with loved ones is all I need this year. Wishing you and the family a very Merry Christmas and settled New Year!
    Brian recently posted…The Gift of GivingMy Profile

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    • I wonder if it affects us more because because our kids are the same age. Mine both drove home just a week or so ago. I am so much more settled after they are finally home. Merry Christmas to you and your family too, Brian!

      Reply

  3. Our family is experiencing a shift in celebrating the holidays as well. Our oldest is off with his new bride at the in-laws and our youngest is in the middle of a military tech school and he opted to stay planted. With one still at home we were able to carve out enough time for a road trip to see our youngest. After 26 hrs of driving from CA to TX straight through we were elated to spend time with our son. The stuff that does matter are relationships and the memories we make along the way to attempt to maintain them. There were quite a few bonding moments as we were barreling down the road at 80 mph with semis competing with our mighty Corolla.
    The seasons of life are changing in our household too as we merge into having adult children and contemplate retirement. Thank you for your written thoughts as you and your husband walk along this same path. Feeling blessed.

    Reply

    • Thanks so much for sharing, Linda! That’s a long drive and so scary with the traffic! I love your description that the “seasons of life are changing” in our households. That’s a beautiful way to describe it! I’d love to hear more of your thoughts as you contemplate retirement too. Your comment has me thinking about another post to write now too 🙂

      Reply

  5. This serves as a great reminder to focus on the most important things in life, starting with our relationships with others.

    I look forward to your 2018 posts!
    Merry Christmas!

    Reply

    • Thanks, Carol! You are right – and it goes beyond family. Many of us are just as close (if not closer) to our friends as our family. It doesn’t matter what you label it, the important people in your life are where it starts. Focus on them! Merry Christmas!

      Reply

  6. Sorry to hear of the young man’s passing. A tragic reminder that life is short.

    May we all put ‘first things first’ more often and celebrate each other more and stuff less.

    Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas and great new year.

    Reply

    • That would be a great mantra for next year! “May we all put ‘first things first’ more often and celebrate each other more and stuff less” – Love it! Merry Christmas Amy! Looking forward to more collaboration in the future!

      Reply

  8. Vicki, what a powerful reminder of what really matters. We were very fortunate to have my three adult kids and two grandchildren here with us for Christmas Day, along with one of my brothers, and that was the best part of Christmas.

    Jude
    Dr Sock recently posted…Mental Illness and FamiliesMy Profile

    Reply

    • It’s terrific you had so many of your family together! We’re really past the gift exchanging with our family. I’d rather give gifts when I find something meaningful – no matter what time of year it is. We used to end up exchanging gift cards – which was silly. The time together, the laughing and the storytelling is what we’ll remember. Happy New Year!

      Reply

  9. That’s so sad.

    I hope the family was able to take a view of it and be thankful for what they still have. Hopefully over time they will be able to.

    It’s really sobering to have that happen, when you are so worried about all the other little things. Then to see someone go through something like that. It puts life into perspective, and puts you right back in your place.

    It also makes me realize, that you never really know what someone else is going through. So try to be nice to everyone, it can truly make a difference.

    Reply

    • I think we can all lose sight of this – “you never really know what someone else is going through” and it is an important reminder. They are a very strong family but I’m sure the pain will run deep for a long time. We’ve had a number of other deaths in our community this year (opioids being a major contributor to the larger number of deaths). Being a little kinder to everyone wouldn’t hurt. We definitely don’t know what others are struggling with. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply

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