My Non-Grinch Christmas Spirit

I love Christmas.  Really, I do.  I have such fun memories of childhood Christmases- getting all my MaryLou Retton stuff, the time I threw up on the stairs because I had the flu, awesome breakfasts which we had to eat before we opened presents.  I remember the time my family went caroling and then came back to find a box full of presents on our front porch.  Christmas is awesome!

Today at work, I got accused (halfway in jest) of being a grinch because I didn't jump at the chance to decorate a tree for the office.  I love Christmas, but I cannot bring myself to buy a Christmas tree or get overly excited about decorating one (except my parents- we did that on Sunday and it was a grand time).  Let me explain why-

There are a lot of things I am good at doing by myself- grocery shopping, laundry, getting my oil changed.  And 99.9% of the time, I don't even think twice about these kinds of things.  But at Christmas, all of the sudden, it becomes a lot harder to do things alone, especially things that are tied so closely to doing them in large groups.  And for someone who grew up in a large family, decorating a Christmas tree is one of those.

So, I am not a grinch- and, contrary to what someone said to me the other day, not wanting a Christmas tree has nothing to do with not knowing the real reason for Christmas.  I love the special emphasis on the Savior and have already listened to the Hallelujah Chorus and For Unto Us a Child is Born more than a few times! Some things just make me a little sad at Christmas.

So, what will I do this Christmas?  I'm seriously debating being a secret Santa for someone.  And I will try my best to be happy (after tomorrow night- I have a particularly exhausting meeting to attend that I don't think I will be able to get through without thinking at least 7 mean thoughts about people) and bring a little cheer to those around me who aren't as fortunate as me.  I will smile and laugh and take the time to drive around and look at lights.  I will play in the snow, if it ever gets here, and drink hot chocolate and eat at least 3 candy canes and 6 plates of goodies.  I will listen to Christmas music and watch Christmas movies and renew my yearly crush on the guy who plays Omar in the Liken the Scriptures movie The First Christmas and I will love the time I get to spend with family and friends.  I just don't want to buy and decorate a tree.  Maybe some day, just not this year.

And I will listen to the Muppets singing this song and try to be Santa Claus: