…well, we haven’t, taken pictures with Santa, that is.
Our oldest son has a set from his first Christmas where we moseyed on over to Town Center for the free pictures provided by a local college. And there was that one time at a family company party where we tried to get the kids in for a quick photo with jolly old St. Nick, and Momma had to pop in to keep everyone from losing their grits.
Other than that, we haven’t made it a point to get pictures of the kids with Santa. Some families commit and don’t look back, and each year, framed Santa pictures from years past line their mantles. Inside I love the thought. {But dread the thought of finding places for those pictures. Tiny hands. More glass frames.}
Honestly, I don’t want the pressure. There are outfits to pick, and moods to tiptoe around when scheduling, money to pay, and if free, often lines to wait in. I don’t think crying kids on Santa’s lap is cute. I know. I know. Some people cross their fingers for one. Cheers to you!
There are certain Christmas events and traditions to which I cling, and these will happen with smiles on our faces and a few if-you-don’t-get-dressed-right-now-we-aren’t-going-to-see-the-lights! But we are finding our way, our fit, and making our memories.
Here’s the thing, a little gift that I’m giving myself this Christmas season, and you can gift yourself as well. It’s a little something called freedom. Freedom to close the screen on the holiday guide. {Although, to be fair, we’ve got a great one!} Freedom to pick and choose which holiday events to attend in order to sit under blankets and hang out with the people that live within your walls. Freedom to drink out of red cups in November or refuse Christmas songs until December 1. Freedom to leave your tree up until the Epiphany. Freedom to string one stand of lights around your roof or triple your electricity bill and be the house to drive by to see the lights.
You get where I’m going here. There’s so much out there. And it’s good. Oh, it’s good. But we don’t have to do it all, make it all, experience it all, or be it all. And you, yes, you that thrives this season on “it all” — girl, this is your moment. Shine on, sister! There’s a place for all of us.
The real simplicity of Christmas is just that. Its origins are oh so simple. A stable, a few animals, a mom, dad, and one tiny baby that changed the world. ‘Tis the season to be who you were created to be with hope, joy, and peace in your hearts.
