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When it comes to Christmas, I’ve never gone all out like they do in the movies.
Commercially, the Christmas focus is on selecting the perfect gift for every family member, but I don’t have the female shopping gene. I have trouble deciding what to buy for myself, let alone others. Thank goodness our grandchildren are finally old enough to appreciate the gift of cash.
Cooking a full-blown, home-cooked Christmas dinner for the extended family isn’t my thing either, even though I did it for many years. And honestly, I don’t remember the last time I made Christmas cookies.
When it comes to decorating for the holidays, I’m a minimalist. I put a few small Christmassy items inside the house, and the front porch railing gets garland and a wreath.
You may think I’m a Grinch, but I’m not. Now that I’m older and wiser, I don’t feel obligated to do the traditional cooking, baking, shopping, and decorating that used to zap my Yuletide spirit.
I’ve found a much better way for me to enjoy the season. I watch Christmas movies!
In 2020, Hallmark produced 85 movies: 53 on the Hallmark channel, 32 on the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries channel, and 40 of them are Christmas movies. They started airing in October and will run through January 2.
And that’s not all! There are Christmas movies on other channels, too.
This year, without leaving the comfort of my home, I’ve experienced Christmas tree lightings, tree decorating, cookie baking, and family get-togethers. I’ve ice skated, went on sleigh rides, made snow angels, and threw snowballs.
If I’d been shopping for presents and planning a big meal instead of living vicariously through Christmas movies for the past eight weeks, I wouldn’t be feeling the Christmas spirit like I am right now.
If you need to bump up your Yuletide energy, grab your favorite drink (mine’s hot cocoa with Butterscotch Schnapps), turn on your TV, and watch a Christmas movie!
Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year!
Gaye
11 Comments
Loved this. For the first tim we are not hosting Christmas & we will all gather at our youngest son’s home. I’m looking forward to just cuddling the grandkids and just bringing snacks. Wishing you & yours a wonderful Christmas & all the best in 2021!
Merry Christmas Gaye. ⛄️ I think your Yuletide cheer is on point…another good story.
I cannot love this enough! I miss you and Ron terribly.
Merry Christmas Gaye. Always enjoy reading your blogs. Erni
Thank you Gaye. This is about what we are feeling after spending a lot of time doing all the things you aren’t . We will have the whole gang here around noon today for Christmas Dinner. I keep telling Josette the this may be the last time we do the whole group dinner thing. I asked her to read your Christmas Spirit message. Hopefully, the message will sink in.
Anyway – MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HERE’S HOPING FOR A MUCH BETTER 2021!
Wonderful story, Gaye. Many very special blessings to you and your loved ones. Peace.
Great! I’ve always been a minimalist! But, I also am not a movie fan, so I missed that part. And, I do miss the the cookies. But, I’ve done a lot of reading. Your story being one of the best reads. We do share another favorite, but mine is peppermint schnapps with hot chocolate! Thanks, Gaye. Being too late for Christmas, Happy New Year to you, Ron and all your loved ones. 2021 will be better!!
Lpvrd this!!!
I am also a minimalist. I feel in very good company.(:))
Our Christmas was very different this year but not without Love, Peace, Joy, Gratitude, etc. Different isn’t a bad thing, I think. It just offers a new, alternative perspective to the familiar, often (but not always) much loved tradition.
Thank you again for sharing your heart and creativity. I love it (and you).
I agree! Ken’s middle name is Hallmark Christmas Shows. It was till a good Christmas just different.
I don’t know how I missed this story of yours, but I did. I remember coming to your house at Christmas time and even to your grandma and grandpa’s house as a child and there was always a tree, decorations, and yummy Christmas cookies. It kind of shocked me to hear that you don’t go all out for Christmas. I still do and really enjoy decorating and making cookies with all my grandkids. It’s a messy affair, but so much fun! I can’t imagine changing any time soon, but who knows, maybe someday I will be a minimalist too.
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