Tantrums and Confessions of a 33 year old

With the mear mention that Christmas this year with Mum and everyone was going to change I instantly turned into a 3 year old and started kicking and screaming.

After my initial thoughts were expressed to my mother over the phone, I started to rationally think about why my reaction was so.

Yes, central to Christmas is the celebration of the Saviours birth and the gift that our Heavenly Father has given to us, but Christmas also means so much more to me. It means~

Decorations - decorating the tree with sparkly decorations and sparkly lights. Stringing fairy lights along the eaves and trees out the front of our house. Driving home on a balmy summer evening and seeing the bright glow of houses decorated with lights, not unlike the Griswolds.

Presents - ensuring that Santa has checked his list twice. Wrapping presents on Christmas Eve while watching Carols by Candlelight. Seeing the glee in the kids eyes as they survey the pile under the tree trying to hunt for one, or two, with their name on it. Loading the car up with gifts to give to loved ones.

Food - food, glorious food, enough to feed a small village. Turkey with roasted vegies, the most delicious desserts and an abundant amount of chocolate washed down with a South Australian specialty, Patritti. Gorging yourself on the most juicy, sweet, brilliant red cherries, local of course. Eating to the point of bursting.

Family - waking up to the excited tones of three children, seeing the glee in their eyes as they realise that Santa was listening. Getting together with extended family. Watching the kids talk excitedly amongst themselves about the gifts they have received. Laughing about the gifts given from Christmas past (TV hound). Eating together. Laughing together. Talking about the year just gone and the new aspirations for the coming year. Retreating to a comfortable place on the couch for a recharge of the batteries.

While my initial reaction was a bit over the top. I have rationalised it to this - Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year and it just wouldn't be the same if I couldn't share it with the people I love the most.