It would seem the holidays are upon us(Charlie Brown)
Working retail and all the holiday hoopla is so out of hand.There was a time not so long ago when people really did celebrate just the love of gathering without spending ridiculous amounts of money.Because of job loss and very trying times I see people getting more and more depressed or completely upset due to not being able to purchase everything they want.There are ways around it but I think people feel picked out to suffer,I certainly do from time to time.
Since I love to cook and did it for years,we have thanksgiving ,Christmas ,and Easter,usually around 15 people..........at Christmas I do it twice in a week as my side of the family arrives later......its great because we get a whole day with each family.I started doing this when my father died,when he was living I had 3 places to be moms,dads, and my wifes family.
It is exactly the same to have your celebration on a different day,nothing is changed,there is all the music decorations,the food the fun.......and not near the stress of having over everybody in one day.......no thanks!Many of you will wonder how we afford it being low income?
Be creative,think hard before you purchase.......are you trying to impress or do you love the person so much it wouldnt matter what you got them?We put stipulations on ourselves to buy properly or for the right amount.I once bought a cute but cheap doll for my grandma(I adored her)and enclosed a note about the fact that we are never to old to be children at Christmas.She wept,which isnt what I expected but it was the first time at 15 years old that I realized people want to be thought of and seen at their core and not receive some out of your range gift that they wont derive pleasure,memory or love from.So take care when you shop.
As for food,buy ahead all the little things.If you do it a week at a time you will have more than you imagine.
My mother-in law buys the turkey for thanksgiving and when its Christmas she makes stuffed cabbage that is my favorite!So i do all the side stuff and start buying slowly to cushion the blow of a whole shopping cart of food for one meal!(you poorandcontenters know what I mean)
In the end regardless of what you do, cook,or how much you have,staying in a state of grace and stillness during the holidays is a challenge worth trying.You will fail at times ,but the moments you get love that the season brings will carry you to your own holiday world.