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Changing Times (and a Giveaway!)

By Cheryl Brooks

I feel like I cheated this year, buying nearly every Christmas gift online. No hustle and bustle of shopping with the crowd for me, only the click of a button followed by the arrival of the UPS truck. This past Saturday, I wrapped all the presents and put them under the tree. You can do that when your kids are grown up, which is a lot easier than trying to hide everything until after they go to bed on Christmas Eve, although not nearly as exciting.

There's a lot to be said for having plenty of time to get everything done. Little or no stress. No last-minute panic. No dragging out the wrapping paper only to discover that you're out of tape. I look back on some of the things I've done in the past and don't know how I ever managed to pull it off. We used to leave early on Christmas Eve morning and spend the entire day visiting family and friends, then make the two-hour drive back home, arriving sometime around midnight. I'd feed the horses and help my husband bring all the presents down from the garage attic and put them under the tree before we went to bed. How we ever managed to get up bright and early on Christmas morning is a mystery. But of course, we were younger then.

Our traditions have changed over the years. Some of the people we used to visit have moved away. Some are no longer with us. It's easier now, and we have more time to spend with those who remain, but rushing from one house to the next defined how we celebrated the holiday. Now, we usually make the rounds on the weekend before Christmas instead of Christmas Eve. We had our family party this past Sunday, so that part is over for this year. My son's girlfriend visited us over the weekend, but she left to head on to her mother's home yesterday.


And so... The tree is up. The presents are wrapped. The stockings are filled.


And now we wait...

What about you? Have your holiday traditions changed in recent years? Post a comment below or use the Rafflecopter for your chance to win a free copy of The Cat Star Chronicles: Rebel or Cowboy Heaven!


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http://www.cherylbrooksonline.com/

Comments

  1. I try to go with the flow. Past years we've changed the celebrations to coincide with work and college aged kids. My one daughter and son-in-law work that day so we now have a late dinner and celebration. But now that she is married she has hosted some events too. Even gift giving changed this year. My husband got laid off so we are cutting back but I'm grateful that we will be together. My live tree is up but I still have some wrapping to do. Happy Holidays to all.

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    1. Looks like you have the right idea. Hope you have a great holiday!

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  2. Everything has changed, and even though I still enjoy it, I miss the old days. Most times, I'm just thrilled to like my grownup kids--this is the only time I really miss them as little people. :-) I must admit, I do enjoy getting more sleep. Merry Christmas, Cheryl!

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    1. Merry Christmas, Liz! We had nine little ones at our get together this year, ranging in age from 2 to 15, but none of them were mine. Maybe someday!

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  3. My holiday traditions have changed pretty drastically over the past few years. After losing my mom it was incredibly hard to find any joy around the holidays. After having my daughter I've been able to allow myself to enjoy the holidays more making new memories and traditions!

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    1. Losing parents and grandparents changed my Christmas quite a lot, so I know exactly what you mean. My grandfather enjoyed Christmas more than anyone I've ever known, but having kids of my own was even more fun. Hope your new traditions are happy ones!

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  4. I was thinking about this yesterday because right now my daughter is young and we are in the thick of it all. I can't imagine how different it will be when she's moved out and on her own (sob!).

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  5. What a cute pair your son and his girlfriend make!
    Sorry my comment is late. Been rushing around doing last minute stuff... Next year I'll be more like you. (I hope)

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    1. Thanks! I think they're pretty cute myself. Good luck with the last minute stuff!

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