I am a Christmas junkie. There, I said it.
I could care less about Halloween, Easter, New Year’s or really any and all other holidays that my family celebrates.
But Christmas? That’s my jam!
I decorate pretty much every room in my house. I have two trees. And each year, I promise myself I am only going to add one more item to our outdoor decorations, only to falter in my resolution and end up with at least two new “amazing and must-have” outdoor holiday display items.
This year, after years of online window shopping, I gave in and treated myself to this “funky” outdoor tree that I have been coveting, along with new lights for the outside of the house.
A few weeks ago, I searched far and wide (OK, as far as away Midland and Orillia at least) for more “giant red sparkly” balls to hang along the front of the porch. I recruited friends and family in my search — and the result is pretty great, if I do say so myself.
That said, the house is still a work in progress as I missed my window for getting the “bulb ornament” stakes in the ground before it froze.
I am also a huge sucker for traditions like my family’s “fireside chat” on Christmas Eve, where after we’ve finally come together after all our running around, have a few drinks and just catch up.
Or my in-laws' Christmas Eve dinner of raclette, something they’ve been doing for nearly 30 years since returning to Canada from West Africa and having tried it for the first time in 1985 at the home of a Swiss acquaintance.
Every year, to get in the spirit, I watch both Home Alone movies, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and Die Hard (and sorry, but yes it is a Christmas movie!), and for the last decade, I have hosted my own Christmas tree trimming party, complete with great friends, good wine and too much food.
This year, though, I have decided to cut myself a bit of a break. If the last 18 months has taught me anything, it’s that it’s OK to slow down and add in some space to breathe.
No, I am not going 'Grinch' on anyone, but I have told myself it’s OK if I don’t make my house look like the Griswolds' home.
It’s OK to not participate in any cookie exchanges, ornament-making workshops or attend any holiday events.
And it’s OK if I can’t find people “the perfect” gift.
This year, we are going to focus on helping others by supporting our local food bank and toy drives and supporting small local businesses as much as possible. I want to teach my girls that the magic of Christmas is about more than what is under the tree.
This year, more than ever before, it’s about spending time with the people we love and who make our spirits bright... as well as finding ways to bring a little joy to others in whatever small way we can.
Oh, and cookies… eating way too many of my mother-in-law's mint-chocolate tree cookies.
Nikki Cole is a staff reporter at BarrieToday who is most likely out buying more decorations.
