Nervous About the Holidays
by Mia Cronan
www.MainStreetMom.com

Periodically, in chatting with other mom friends, I'll ask that silly question, "Soooo, ready for the holidays?" One mother I know actually is. She's got her shopping and wrapping completed. Not me. Or most of the other mothers I know. 

Most mothers, when asked that question, just close their eyes and start shaking their heads in guilt over the fact that they're not ready to go out and run their credit cards up and clean out their checking accounts so that the kids have "enough" under the tree.

Yesterday in the car, I was semi-listening to a radio advertisement. They were encouraging people to go buy this XYZ product because, according to them, "Isn't that what Christmas is all about....getting everything you want?" I don't think I need to share with you how that question went right through me. No, that's not what Christmas is all about...by a long shot. And I could cry when I think about how many people see it that way. The point is lost on those who think the more they spend, the more wonderful Christmas would be.

Would Christmas mean the same thing if we spent nothing but our time on each other? I tend to think it would mean more. I'm not ready to approach my family with the idea that we buy no gifts this year (I'd probably get kicked out of my house), but I can dream, can't I? Don't get me wrong...I'm not a Scrooge, I love Christmas. That's probably why I get so sad at the desecration this beautiful, solemn, and very spiritual holiday goes through every year.

And I love to give. I love to see smiling faces on those whom I love dearly. I just don't think that that goal has to be attained at the expense of our need to maintain some moderation with our household budgets.

I didn't sit down to write an editorial. I sat down to write an article, but it turned into an editorial when my passion on the topic kicked it. So what's my point with all this? Let your love shine through your heart and not your wallet this year. Give the gift of your time to those you love. Take a friend to dinner. Take your children to a museum. Take your parents to a show. Yes, these things do cost money, but you're also spending time together, which doesn't come with batteries or a receipt, and it can't get broken.

As Advent approaches, I wish you and your families a very peaceful and warm Christmas season.

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