Here in Texas, it is quite different as well. Probably much the same as Florida, minus the influx of visitors. I completely agree that Joy can be found in resting. I never could understand the people who, every single holiday, sprint off on one vacaction or other. Those who talk about their experiences, share how Exhausted they are and how they feel like they have not even had a day to rest before returning to work.
Your gift reminds me of a group that used to be on this site (may still be...haven't looked). It was for those who enjoyed the idea of actually writing and sending letters to each other. I did that for a while. It was pretty Fun.
It's more important to me that a person give of themselves, that's why I make gifts for my loved ones. I made my oldest granddaughter Halloween placemats and napkins to match two years ago, last year Christmas placemats and napkins and this year she has Valentine placemats and napkins. She shared a video on ticktock with her home Halloween decor and on her table were the placemats I made.
My Maine families I made each of them new tote bags for grocery shopping. My daughter-in-law says the ones they had have gotten worn out. My grandson has gotten his first gym bag from me.
Lyv and Amanda have new jammies and crochet vests. Vic has new jammies and a bathrobe. I was lucky to get deals at Joann's before they closed.
I love Christmas, and the feelings of family that commercials portray. However, I've become a bit cynical after all, and I know that Christmas doesn't always mean contentment or family closeness. I don't believe in the promises of buying something to magically "fix" everything, and to be honest, I'd rather have a phone call to say "hi" and "I love/miss you" rather than any amount of gifts or money. My family is important, and being spread out from Michigan to Louisiana to Tennessee and Texas, getting together is getting harder and harder every year. I am an optimistic person for the most part, but also pragmatic. The illusion of "buying" to make the holidays special is a trope that doesn't hold meaning for me anymore. So, with that, I will say, Merry Christmas and may you and yours be blessed. I hope that this season allows for contentment, with or without the commercialism of the season.
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I completely agree that Joy can be found in resting. I never could understand the people who, every single holiday, sprint off on one vacaction or other. Those who talk about their experiences, share how Exhausted they are and how they feel like they have not even had a day to rest before returning to work.
