I Am In The Freaking Holiday Spirit. Come Join Me.

I cannot believe that I am about to confess this. But here goes…..

I am already in the holiday spirit and I am ready for Christmas.

It is a little embarrassing because I am usually the cool one. I am not one of those Christmas nerds. I am always calm, cool and collected. I merely accept the challenge of pulling off Christmas, year after year. And I always manage to do just that, somehow.

But this year I feel a little…giddy. I kind of want to listen to those Christmas music channels on Sirrus radio right about now.

Don’t get me wrong, I have always loved the holidays. Especially Christmas. There is nothing better than having children who still believe in Christmas magic. The way their eyes light up when they see their gifts under the tree.

The best.

But for some reason I feel different this year. I am more revved up than normal. Do not dare me to go buy a hideous Christmas sweater.

I mean it. I will do it.

I find myself pinning holiday treats on Pinterest. I am not a baker.

As my kids get a little older we are on borrowed time with Santa. I want to put more family traditions in place so that, no matter how old, they will look back on the holidays fondly.

We have always done a tree and Santa. Last year I added a tree in each of the kids bedrooms. And the Elf. And stockings. Ahhh stockings are the BEST.

This year I have a strong urge to decorate OUTSIDE too. And by I, I mean my husband. I want lights on the house. That’s right, Hubby. I said lights on the outside of the house. Don’t try to act like you didn’t just read that. I totally saw you. Seriously I am watching you right NOW.

We traditionally travel home for holiday meals with family and friends before Christmas. Then on the actual day, I always throw together an average meal for just our little family.

But this year I kind of want to cook my first turkey. Or a Honey Baked ham. And dressing. With a table full of sides. And three or four pies.

Did I just say three or FOUR pies?

Instead of the lazy wrapping that I am traditionally known for, I want fancy bows and ribbons. And real name tags and not just names written on the paper.

I want to be Martha Freaking Stewart. Except if she wasn’t rich. Or an ex-con.

I am so into the upcoming holidays that I am scaring myself. And my children. What have you done with OUR mom?

I have been researching shenanigans for the Elf on the Shelf. Just in case he runs out of ideas of his own. Who does that? Not me.

I have been browsing Amazon and placing the perfect gifts in my “cart”. Every few days I research the prices of those items at several stores to see who is going to give me the best deals. Is it you Amazon? I’m pulling for you.

Giving gifts is such a joy. Especially to my children. Watching their eyes light up is the best present I could ask ever for.

But that is not what the holidays are all about. (I mean don’t get me wrong, Mom. The pink and purple bike in 1979 was AMAZING.)

There is way more to Christmas than way too many presents.

This year I want my kids to understand the joy of giving back. I want them to experience helping those who have less. You cannot truly appreciate the things that you have been blessed with, until you see those who have nothing.

It is an amazing feeling to make someone feel special. To make a difference in someone’s life. Maybe someone whom you don’t even know.

I want to encourage them to come up with ways that we as a family can make a difference. And not just with money but giving of ourselves and our time. Unfortunately the holidays are not magical for everyone.

We can all do a little something. Bring a smile to a sad face. Spend time with the lonely. Give them a hug. Who knows how long it’s been. There are so many lonely people around the holidays. Help a mother who wouldn’t normally be able to buy her kid a Christmas present. Anything that you can do. It all matters.

As my kids get older I want them to know that getting gifts is not the best part of Christmas. Holidays are about family and friends. It’s about being together. Laughing together. Singing cheesy holiday songs. (Oh THAT is happening.)

It is about giving and sharing the spirit of the season, with family, friends and especially strangers you pass on the street.

As nerdy as I may sound right now, I am throwing my arms around the world this holiday season. I am going to make you nauseous with my freakin holiday cheer. I will spread good will until you just can’t take it anymore.

But instead of avoiding me in the aisles of Target, maybe you could join me. If we all float a little happiness out there into the world, imagine what we would get in return.

You don’t believe me? That’s it. I am buying a Christmas sweater. You asked for it.

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