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Kamloops News

MANN: All they want for Christmas is you

Image Credit: SUBMITTED
November 15, 2018 - 12:00 PM

 


OPINION


I get REALLY excited this time of the year.

Some people live for spookiness of Halloween, and others find themselves wrapped up in the hearts and flowers of Valentine’s Day, but I am a Christmas girl through and through.

And right about the middle of November, when the Christmas music starts to annoy everyone, and I can see the neighbours slowly deciding whether or not it’s too early to turn their Christmas lights on, I feel that buzz.

I can’t explain it (but I guess I am), something about Christmas just makes me feel whole.

I have nothing but great memories of the season — lots of visiting, cookies, decorations, pie and always a trail of tinsel on my socks.

There were the more nonconventional Christmases too — trips to the movies and sleepovers with family friends.

No two Christmases were ever the same and someone always drank way too much wine, leading to a great story to tell later on.

Between the music, the snow, the Christmas trees and loving on everyone, I just can’t help but smiling when I think about Christmastime.

One of the best things about having kids (amongst many best things), is getting to experience Christmastime through the eyes of a child — again.

Everything seems so big and exciting when you are small and curious, and something as simple as decorating cookies is so special.

Gifts have also always been a big deal at Christmas, but they don’t have to be.

There has to be a good balance if we want to survive this life — a balance between spoiling our children and living within our means.

Many go into debt over trying to provide their children the best possible Christmas experience.

I get it, there is so much pressure to provide that cookie-cutter Christmas for our children, and, with all the movies and ads and stories depicting said perfect Christmas, it is no wonder children’s expectations grow bigger than their Christmas lists.

But we are still the parents, and in the end, we get to control the flow of money.

It always amazes me when I bring home a new toy and my kids spend five minutes playing with it, and then turn the box into a boat on the high seas.

It reminds me it's not always about the glitz and glamour.

I get it — it’s hard. It’s hard to say no, to explain reason, and to fear the disappointment on your children’s face when they don’t get everything they wanted for Christmas.

But I guarantee you, they may remember one special gift they received, but more importantly, they will remember time.

They will remember time spent with their parents, siblings, family and friends.

They will remember being happy, content and feeling loved.

Christmas is whatever you want to make of it, and the cost is totally up to the individual — what is within their means, what is important to them and what will work best for their family.

But the gift of time for a child is, above all else, the best gift of all.

— Becky is a 30-something, red haired, mother of two, trying to navigate this life as best she can. She enjoys talking to people and discovering their stories. Still trying to balance her personal and professional life, she juggles work and play. In her spare time Becky can be found visiting with friends, spending time with her family and saving time by reading while walking.


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