Holiday Cheerleader

I have to admit that I was having mixed emotions about embracing this holiday season. I’ll not be enjoying the festivities with my family, as we’ll all be scattered--Betsy in Georgia with her family, Jaime and Dieter (and Saide) hosting my parents in Honduras. I’ve never gone through the motions of decorating the house, shopping/opening gifts, or digging into oyster crackers, fudge or monkey bread without sharing the joy with my immediate family. It’s the lynchpin of all my holiday hubbub. I had toyed with the idea of allowing this season to pass without decorating our flat in Germany; the Brazzells had already decided to forgo the expense of presents...basically, the plan was to just accept the holidays as a non-event this year.

But...

Walking in Hamburg this past Friday, I see the beginnings of the Christmas Markets being put together. I’ve never been a part of this before, but it appears that vendor stalls are being erected along all the major walkways--tents with evergreen and red ribbon, lots of lights and tables just itching to be set up with traditional, homemade wares! Shop keepers have been fanning pine branches, Kinder chocolate Santas have been beckoning Davy and me from their displays at the market...and I made the mistake of “just browsing” through my itunes Christmas listings. That’s what finally made me see the error of my ways; this Grinch got the reality check she needed!

I made a decision to enjoy this season to fullest--to make the most of this Christmas even though it won’t be what I’m expecting. It dawned on me that this was a great opportunity to make new traditions with the family that Davy and I are now! I have no reason to mope--I’m spending the holidays in a Thomas Kincaid painting with the person who makes me happiest. Plus, this may be my chance to finally have a white Christmas...

So: bring on the holly, mistletoe, Muppet Christmas Carol, various sweets, tinsel, overpriced trinkets--the works! I’m ready to curse the lights as I basically use them to strangle my tree...I’m ready to stir up hot chocolate and count the amount of marshmallows I put in both of our glasses. I’m ready to enjoy time with my future in-laws and find out what traditions they may introduce. And I have a feeling I’ll break down and send some care packages to the loved ones I miss so much. In short: Let’s do this.

*I draw the line at Christmas sweaters.