I hated Holidays... until now...

I hated Holidays, truly hated them... until now.  I hated them for many reasons.  The main reason though is, because it is ONE day for people to show their love to someone (Valentine's Day), or be thankful to your family (Thanksgiving), or one day to appreciate God (Christmas), should I go on?  I don't think you should have one day of a year to appreciate what you have been given and granted each year.  I love my husband everyday, I don't need Valentines Day.  I am thankful every day for my family and I don't need a meal full of fattening, filling food to make me appreciate my family.  Hallmark hates my feelings.

I hated them until I was sitting watching Christmas Cartoons with my daughter and son last night.  They were mesmerized and completely into it.  The conversations we had afterwards were priceless.  They love the spirit and the holidays.  And for that, I do too!  I love seeing my kids enjoy things but mostly the silly little holidays we are suppose to celebrate once a year. 

Hollin spent this Thanksgiving telling us over and over what she is thankful for.  I am thankful for her.  I will be everyday, not just Thanksgiving.  I am also thankful for her daddy, her brother, and all the other things she was thankful for.   Having her appreciate and realize that one day she needs to be thankful is just the beginning.  I can't wait to take this opportunity to teach her to be thankful everyday!  So this journey begins...

She is also fully aware of Christmas now.  We are going to spend the next few weeks teaching her the true story of Christmas.  I want her to know everything.  For now she knows all about Santa!  I am glad she knows about Santa, and the sparkle in her eye anytime we talk about Santa is priceless.  Last night we were watching the 30 minute commerical 30 minute Christmas Special Elf on A Shelf (which we had last year and she doesn't know will be back when we get home).  She enjoyed every moment and was beside herself hoping and praying that "Buddy our Elf" comes back to our house.  Johnny watched too and at each commercial break would cry and ask for Buddy to come back on.  I love this.  I am so glad they are excited.  In fact, I even got teary eyed watching the sparkle and excitement among them.  Watching them learn and experience all these "new" things and see everything for the "first" time is what it is all about for me.

I am grateful, thankful, loved, blessed and every other Holiday term.  But I am lucky enough to have this each and every day.  Hallmark doesn't need me to buy into it.  I buy into it each and every day.  Some days are easier to remember than others but in the end, I still consider myself the luckiest person ever!  Sorry Hallmark...