Giving them all we've got to give

It isn't Christmas without a little overwhelm, I suppose. Every year I build a list full of expectations that makes me very busy during the weeks leading up to the big day. I'm not even Christian. I am of the opinion that consumerism is a big part of why our culture is broken. Yet, the Christmas spirit grabs me, year after year, and I over do it. I make as many gifts as I can, but this takes time, which is always limited. I also overspend. I use my credit card. I have no business using my credit card, trust me. Today, Christmas Eve, I have the sniffles and a list that will take 10-12 hours to complete. I got about 3 hours of sleep last night. In perfect procrastinator form, I'm sitting in my bed, listening to Tom Waits as my cat flicks his tail on the windowsill. What a lovely day. I'm so lucky to be able to slack in my warm house, with a paid day off work. I'll get up soon, make some tea, bake some cookies and pies, wrap gifts, enjoy the day. Despite the cognitive dissonance of paragraph one, I treasure this holiday. Partly because I am nostalgic for the soft-lined, Norman Rockwellian Christmas my mom always worked so hard to produce for us every year; but mostly because this is the time of year when I am most generous and creative. I am energized by making gifts for my loves. I get giddy when I find the perfect gift to buy, as well. Whatever this season means to each of us, we all unite in the collective spirit of taking time with the people we love and giving them all we've got to give. This makes me happy, and tired, but mostly happy.