I’m a Grinch and I Admit It!

Thank God for my kiddos! Seriously. I would have ZERO enthusiasm for Christmas if it weren't for them. Anyone else in my camp?

I know! It's highly unexpected from me. It starkly contrasts my usual, chipper, optimistic and bubbly self. Sorry if it disappoints you.

I hate Christmas. It's something that died off in me years ago. I don't know when it happened exactly. Maybe it was when the kiddos were little and I did ALL the dressing them up, getting everything ready, overwhelming and over-working myself to make everything look and feel like a Thomas Kincade or Norman Rockwell painting.

Or perhaps it was the rude people with entitlement attitudes and the events at all the 'Black Fridays'. The materialism, over-spending, stress about more debt and lack of support for the little Mom-n-Pop shops that eventually all added up and made me want to cancel Christmas.

The reason I don't totally check out is RIGHT HERE.

These ladies ARE my Christmas cheer! They are my smiles, my happy times and my motivation to do anything Christmas at all! Otherwise, I think I'd check out for the entire month of December and live on a tropical island. These beauties keep me in check when it comes to the holidays. And I love them for it.

We finally put up the tree earlier this year than in previous years. We decorated it last night, got the silly hats out, put lights up and played Christmas music. They think it's funny to watch the looks on my face when certain songs are like nails-on-a-chalkboard, to me.

Just look at their faces, though! They love it and as long as we all can laugh together, that is what matters most to me. Like when they all laugh because my youngest called me saying "Moooom!! I dropped a hooker!"  LOL! She doesn't know what that means but laughed with us when we started cracking up. See? I keep my attitude in-check and do my best to have fun and not ruin it for them.

They did a wonderful job decorating the tree last night. This proud mama had a cup of tea after they were asleep, as I sat looking at the tree they so happily decorated. The echoes of their laughter rang in my ears and I was able to find my happy Christmas place.  Shhhh..but don't tell anyone!