Maybe this year

Well, Christmas is upon us. This is one of those times of year that I wish would last so much longer than it does. It’s not the gifts. Sure gifts are nice, but I much prefer the look and feel. I like being able to take my girls into a neighborhood all lit up and collecting canned for people who need it. I like that so many people participate in charities that usually don’t throughout the year, like Toys for Tots, or soup kitchens or Adopt-a-Family-For-Christmas. I like that for one season, many of us can realize how lucky we are and how we can help those less fortunate (that would be those of us NOT fist fighting at the department stores). I enjoy sitting down and adding the loving touches to a wrapped gift, even if it’s only a tin of popcorn. I enjoy the snow, the Santas, the music, the bells. When I was little, the Christmas season (for me) started in June. I would play my favorite Christmas records and start scavenging wrapping paper like a squirrel storing nuts for the winter. As soon as we got the JCPenney Christmas catalog in the mail, I would start marking the pages with everything I wanted. But now, I don’t do that. Now I long for one thing every year. Every year, I just wish for one night where I can sit down snuggled up on the couch with the hubby and kids, watching some sweet Christmas movie. The only light in the room would be the lights on the tree. The house would be clean and we would all be drinking hot chocolate and eating some yummy, gooey goodness made earlier that day. No one would be fighting. The dogs would be sleeping quietly. Snow would be falling softly outside. And the room would smell of pine and cinnamon and cookies and Christmas. I have not yet achieved that perfect 2 hours, but I wish for it every year. Maybe this will be my year….maybe not. Each year I strive to be a better person. Each year I strive to make Christmas more meaningful in my household and less materialistic. Maybe this year, I can do it. Maybe this year……maybe….