Going Simple

As a life-long believer in Santa Claus, I have taken it on myself to keep the magic alive.

Forever and ever.

In our house, regardless of what my children think they know about Christmas magic, Santa is real!

I do understand that over the years this has placed a lot of additional stress on my husband as I become fanatical about preserving the legend, but he's a good sport and plays along.  And at the end of the day, he's as big a fan of the holiday magic as his wife, so on and on we go, lost in our little magical celebration while (I'm sure) forever psychologically damaging our children, who figured out long ago that their parents are insane about Christmas, but play along anyway.  After all, there's a little something in it for them.  As long as it works for everyone...

And as long as we're celebrating, we might as well have the tree, the lights, the decorations, the parties, the recitals, the food, and the family and work gatherings to go along with it...

Simple, right?  But add to that the fact that we, along with 96% of all Americans somehow manage to pack all that excitement into six short weeks every year.

Is it any wonder that for Americans, stress has become synonymous with the holiday season?

Every year we talk about scaling back our holiday expectations and plans, and fortunately, we've found meaningful ways to focus our attention on the purpose of the Christmas season during our celebrations.  At the same time, simplicity continues to seem elusive.  We've wondered if it's even possible to achieve.

As it turns out, this is our year to find out.  The change in holiday pace came about quite unexpectedly for us, in the form of a nine year old child from India.  In a few short weeks, a mere eight days before Christmas, she'll become a member of our family.

A week ago I sat in our family room, surrounded by bins brimming with holiday decorations, anticipating her arrival, and becoming aware that so much of what we celebrate about this holiday will feel foreign to her.  It didn't take long for me to realize I wasn't the only one thinking the same thing.

"Do Hindus celebrate Christmas?"  I don't remember which child asked the question first, but at some point they all asked, and the ensuing conversations were insightful.

Together we wondered how shocking it would be to walk into a room with a brightly lit, brightly decorated tree, surrounded by gifts, in a home that would soon be invaded by a fat, bearded stranger dressed in a red suit who, in spite of locked doors, could enter through the chimney.  And even though he's kind enough to leave gifts, he somehow still "knows when you've been sleeping...knows when you're awake...knows if you've been bad or good..."  Yeah.  Maybe a little creepy if you've never heard of it before.

It was interesting how, through the eyes of an outsider, many of the holiday celebrations that are connected in our own minds to our Christian celebration of Christmas might be confusing to someone else, not to mention combining all the above with the increased social demands of family, church and friend gatherings leading up to the big day.

We sorted through Christmas boxes with new vision.  We found some of our favorite decoration items, and the big tree was donated to charity.  We got a great after-Thanksgiving deal on three smaller trees, a simple, beautiful grouping that took less than 30 minutes to decorate.

Liberating!

Top it off with a few poinsettias, a nativity set, an advent calendar (even pre-teens haven't outgrown the countdown), stockings hanging from the fireplace, and some simple lights out front, and we were done.

Santa letters were simple this year also.  My kiddos still humored me by writing to Santa, but I was surprised at the content.  They weren't asking for a lot.  Just a sister, and gifts for her.

(Sidenote:  A week later they sense Santa's willingness to give, and are re-thinking their Christmas lists, still asking for gifts for their new sister, but:  P.S. Santa:  If you do give me a gift too, I'd like...).

At the end of the day, I find myself asking, "Why didn't we do this sooner?"  I can easily see keeping it simple as a holiday tradition that could continue indefinitely.

And none of the meaning of the holiday season has been lost.  In fact, it may have been found.

Family.

Friends.

Giving.

Peace.

Love.


For us our simple holiday has been a liberating discovery.  I don't presume to recommend the same changes to everyone.  (And just for the record, I'm not saying everyone should abandon the fun associated with Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, or any other seasonal celebration...the kid in me might just have to bring it all back next year...stay tuned).

I have found myself surprised at how easy it was to do what we had previously thought was impossible.  Sometimes change is good.

And on the off chance you find yourself on holiday overload, surround yourself with what you treasure most, and celebrate.