Simple Gifts
I hope that everyone experienced a joyous holiday this year. No matter which one you celebrate or how you celebrate it.
We celebrate Christmas at our house, my Granny and me. But we don’t do it up real big with a lot of fuss and fanfare. We never have.
There’s a tree, a wreath on the door, and a ham in the oven. The biggest fuss is the rum cakes Granny always made for her friends that I now make for her for her friends (those that are still with us). All in all, it’s pretty low key. And that’s the way I like it.
When people ask me what I did for Christmas and I don’t have stories of big family dinners and dozens and dozens gaily wrapped presents taking up every square inch of floor space withing ten feet of the tree, they always look at me a little sad. It always makes me chuckle because all that stress and drama and pressure that people put on themselves during the holidays makes me feel a little sad for them.
I will admit, though, that I almost fell into the pressure trap myself. Because this was my first Christmas with the attorney, I about had myself tied up in knots over what I should give him for a present.
But, I was smart enough to realize that I was being stupid. Simple is how he likes it, too.
Despite his considerable means, he lives a simple life. Sure, it’s a bit higher life than I live, but relative to his peers, it’s pretty simple.
I think that’s one of the things that draws us to each other. The simpleness of it all.
He told me he would delay his trip to his mother’s until Christmas Day, if I would simply come down and spend Christmas Eve with him.
I did. And he did.
We cooked dinner, kicked back by the fire, and listened to Christmas jazz. Simple.
We gave each other just one gift. His gift to me was a little bit more than I would have ever expected (not that I expected anything). But, I know he didn’t do it to impress. He did it simply because it was something he thought I could use.
I chose my gift to him for the same reason.
Not to impress. Not out of obligation. Nothing fancy.
Just like our relationship.
Just simple.
December 26th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
It sounds like you had a very nice simple Christmas. I sounds like that brought you great joy just like the attorney does. I’m very happy for you.
Belated Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year !!
December 26th, 2007 at 2:25 pm
That’s my idea of a good Christmas- simple! With 6 kids in the household, though, ain’t nuthin’ simple. Maybe that’s why I want it so bad! Glad you had a good holiday, and some quality time with the attorney.
December 26th, 2007 at 4:23 pm
We stopped doing the “Christmas Marathon” about five years ago and it’s been terrific. We popped a bowl of popcorn and watched Christmas films, spent about an hour at a co-worker’s, and I went to bed early with visions of sugarplums. Simple. Lovely.
December 26th, 2007 at 5:37 pm
Because this was my first Christmas with the attorney
But you’re not with the attorney. You keep saying so.
December 26th, 2007 at 5:40 pm
Your Christmas sounds perfect. Your Granny was there and the Attorney and it was filled with love and simplicity. May your New Year be just as wonderful.
December 26th, 2007 at 7:17 pm
Happy Christmas to you! A friend and her family basically adopted this me year and invited me to spend the holidays with them. It was quite sweet, and I am grateful th have spent yesterday with them. Christmas Eve was spent with an old friend. We ate nothing but home made French fries and shrimp cocktails (based on something he’d started years ago on his the first Christmas without his parents– don’t go with trying to sadly recreate an old tradition : start a new one by pigging out the one or two foods you could never get enough of).
December 26th, 2007 at 9:44 pm
Oh yeah, Tony….spot on…no obligation or expectation. Simple. REal. The best kind to have. Tell Granny thanks for praying. And you too.
December 27th, 2007 at 9:46 am
Sweet and simple is usually the best.
December 27th, 2007 at 3:14 pm
I use to be in the holiday pressure cooker. I twisted myself into a coil trying to do my very best to make everyone happy. I went in the opposite direction and retired from it altogether. It’s amazing how understanding family and friends can be. This is my second year in holiday retirement and it’s great to observe the season and not feel anxious.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:10 pm
Sounds like an awesome Christmas.