Oh Christmas - Why?

This blog entry will probably hit some little nerves - but hopefully spark some joy, memories and energy from within.

Maison de Stencils Pillow by maisondestencils

I have just had a rather interesting online discussion with my boyfriend... yes online, because he lives in his own place and I live in mine - online chats are pretty normal in this day and age, people!
I have just told him that I have packaged up all the biscuits and fudge that I have made over the past week, ready to give out to the Retail Elves tomorrow before I begin my shift at my retail job, just to bring a bit of Christmas Cheer to their hardest days of the retail industry calendar.

I then stated:
"I love Christmas."

My boyfriend then responded:
"Yeah it is fun, not as good as when you're a kid though."

That sparked a bit of a fire within.
Children & Christmas.

My family only ever went to Church on the Holy Days - Easter and Christmas. (Of course, Weddings, Christenings and Funerals also.) Other than that, I did attend Sunday School for maybe, a year? By no means are we overly religious - yet we have a belief, we just choose to express it in our own way.

We believe in love and life.

My family is small - not from the lack of "breeding" ability, but from lack of family connectivity. Family is such an education that continues on until the day you physically leave this planet. Family is hardwork. Heck! Life is hardwork. But I have learnt that through tough times, it is those who know you best, that stick by your side and love you unconditionally. Distance may sometimes be a hurdle, but it is only that - distance. Emotion is a lot stronger than any sea current. I sometimes crave big family Christmas Days, where people struggle to find enough chairs... and the bottom of the Christmas Tree is bursting at the seams with presents upon presents. But at the end of the day, it is about love and life - and realising what you have, not what you don't have.

No matter where our head and hearts lie, belief is the stem of practically everything. Whatever you choose to believe in, it all stems from "having a belief."

Without the Holy Days "on our calendar" - our commericalised-materialistic lives would not exist. It has taken me 23 years to finally understand this and recognise that the marketing, retail and advertising world have the ability to take advantage of peoples beliefs, hopes and dreams - and make money.

This brings me back to my Christmas Hope.
That you give at least ONE handmade gift this Christmas Season.
Support the hands that craft love and emotion, and give to the hearts of those who you love and express your emotion too.

Merry Christmas!