3 Best Gifts of Christmas 2008
My period of self reflection lasted a little longer than usual this year. I still feel withdrawn, like I’m in a cave and not ready to come out. However, it feels good knowing that I don’t have to go anywhere or do anything if I don’t wanna. Needless to say, I’m thoroughly enjoying my time off.
While I brush the dust off of this here blog (and return to my regular template – it’s too dark around here), I’d like to share my 3 best gifts of Christmas 2008:
1. Peace and Quiet
As mentioned several times, we didn’t travel this holiday. Initially, I hesitated with the decision because I know BabyGirl loves being around the family. Maybe it’s just me and I project it onto her. When I shared our holiday plans to stay home, surprisingly, she was not phased at all. Neither of us felt up to the long drive or being around a large crowd of people (think 50+) for 3 days, so the hesitation quickly dissolved.
Instead, we spent Christmas at home. On Christmas morning, BabyGirl served me breakfast in bed: bacon, scrambled eggs, cheese grits, and french toast. Mm mm, my favorite! She opened her gifts (loved them all) and we chatted with family on the phone and webcam. My people are so darn loud, I felt like we were right there with them. LOL! For dinner, I prepared a small feast, including all of BabyGirl’s favorite side dishes and desserts. We were joined by Mr. EC and two of my friends who chose to stay in the area too. After dinner, three of BabyGirl’s friends came over to hang out. We watched a movie (Hancock, one of my other gifts), then we loaded up to visit the Mormon Temple where we saw the Festival of Lights, the “live” Nativity scene, and miniature Nativity scenes from various countries around the world. It was interesting and FREE. If you’re in the area, check it out!
2. A Beautiful Handbag and the Unexpected Spirit of Giving
[click image for better view of handbag details]
I love the leather weaving on the handle, the brass hardware, the texture, the size, the unique shape, and the design. It’s extremely soft and versatile. And best of all, the giver…my BabyGirl. How awesomely fantabulous is that? I never imagined she would spend her hard earned, quickly dwindling, stash of cash on little ole’ me. This is in addition to buying me a Christmas gift AND knowing that she also bought gifts for all of her teachers, coaches, and friends. Me thinks she received monetary assistance from someone who shall remain nameless. LOL
When I asked how much money she had left after buying gifts for everyone, she was able to quote the exact amount. To the penny! Hmm…I guess she didn’t like mom’s version of a bank fee, afterall. LOL She spent so much more than I expected, so I asked, “what about xx, xx, and xx?” – all the things she said she wanted and would buy for herself over the holiday break. Without a second thought, she said “I changed my mind. Buying gifts for other people is more important.”
Now any mom with a teenager knows how paramount this is. After age 12, it’s almost like the little creatures are naturally wired to be self centered. There was much more to the conversation and I was nearly moved to tears by her generosity. Not because of the gifts, but the simple fact that MY daughter chose to put her own “wants” aside to give selflessly to others. Observing her behavior this holiday season has inspired me to become a better giver in the future.
3. A True Friend
This may come as a surprise (and maybe even a disappointment) to some of you, but Mr. EC and I have decided to be “just friends.” Although we get along VERY well and are compatible on so many levels, our priorities in life are completely different right now. His focus is on his business and growing it to new levels. From his perspective, if that means dedicating every waking moment, then that’s what it will take. Umm…ok, I will not stand in the way. His success to date can be attributed to his drive and determination and I can dig that. In fact, we share many of the same traits, which resulted in our initial attraction. However, as crazy as this may sounds, we are too much alike to sustain a healthy relationship. There is no balance.
A few close to me have said “girl, you crazy for letting that good man go!” Then it’s followed by the typical “when he’s rich, you’ll regret leaving him!” All I can do is laugh because the beauty of our relationship is much more than that – we have a mutual respect for one another. I am his rock, his sounding board, and where he can retreat from the white noise of life. On the other hand, of all the guys I’ve dated, he’s the only one that really “gets” me. He’s extremely supportive – but brutally honest when necessary. He knows what makes me smile and what makes me tick. What I like the most is that we can vibe on an intellectual level, but we can also take it to the streets without skipping a beat. This, we have decided, is the perfect recipe for a true ride or die friendship. And I can accept that. After we discussed it ad nauseam and came to a mutual agreement, he said, “now let’s go away for a few days to celebrate our new friendship!” No, no, and no! We are really going to be “just friends.” LOL
What was the best Christmas gift you received this year?
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1. Right there with you: peace and quiet has been pretty wonderful.
2. You’ve heard this a thousand times: you’ve raised your BG right. I need to take more notes on that child-rearin’ thing, seeing how well your other lessons have worked. ;)
3. I was surprised for a second, but, somehow, I’m not. I’m very happy that you’ve developed such a strong friendship, that’s always a blessing.
Best gift? I haven’t collected them all, yet! :) Still have a few more out of towners to exchange with. Welcome back!
As sad as it is about Mr. EC only you know what you need. And as they say when one door closes another one opens. And in the end if it is meant to be it will find a way to work
I am so happy that you had a wonderful holiday. BG is turning out to be a wonderful little lady! She is so thoughtful. My best gift was being able to have my brother home since he was shot 5 times in july. The only thing missing was his daughter. But that is other DRAMA.
Peace of Mind and a set of stainless cookware set(I asked for it ;-)… 2007 and 2008 really were stressful for me, so to finally have “Peace of Mind” at the end of this year and going into the new year is AMAZING. So, looking forward to the new year.
Looks like BG is going to be just as Fabulous as her mom.
Sometimes you’ve got to let “them” go, so they can appreciate what they truly had. If it was meant to be…he’ll be back(a changed person). If not, it was just a stepping stone to help prepare you for Mr. “Fabulous”(your final stepping stone)
my best gift was seeing my new nephew for the first time, born on Dec 22nd. my best material gift was a pair of Coach shoes. (i have a serious addiction i confess!) i am sad to hear about you and Mr. EC (i’m a die hard romantic) but it sounds like you guys took the time to really discuss it and i applaud you for making the decision to keep it as friends. what is meant to be will be and a true friend is hard to find so congrats on that! happy holidays!
My best gift this holiday was simply being back in the Southeast. That gift came from God because I definitely wasn’t looking for a new job and as much as I hated Texas, I had decided I was going to ride it out.
I’m so happy for you and BG – the time you guys spent together is priceless. You raised her well.
As for Mr. EC, I totally understand you guys’ decision. A true friend is a great gift.
our best gifts were a stainless steel garbage can and an iron with a cord that sucks in – we have a stubborn cat and both these items were very much needed. :)
Sounds like you had a nice holiday! I’m all for amiable decisions to be friends – it’s so much better than some of the other possible outcomes.
SM, sad to hear about Mr.iCandy, I was hoping you found your man.
I guess next time you fly and you sit next to a tall, dark and handsome guy, with shaved head and nice suit, you can flirt back shamelessly and accept a dinner invitation.
HI SM-
I so enjoy your blog. I had a great christmas this year! My best gift was my thoughtful husband bought an electronic picture frame and loaded all our wedding photos! It was so thoughtful!
And I can share with you, I always thought that when I got married again I would get someone rich and driven about business. Instead I married my husband who isn’t rich with money but with love. He’s driven about his family and friends. I could say so much about him, but most importantly he’s shown me what real love is. We complement each other and it’s wonderful. So….you wait for the right man and you can’t go wrong. Even if Mr. EC becomes “Oprah” rich, it doesn’t mean anything if he’s not the one for you! That doesn’t make him (or you bad) just not a love match for each other.
take care!
All three are excellent gifts anytime of the year. I am glad you are having a wonderful holiday and continue to have a friend in Mr. EC.
I don’t celebrate Christmas, so I did not expect material gifts, but like you, I am enjoying the time off. We did recently buy a Wii and Wii Fit. That has been good for us…we play the games together and have been having a good time. So, if I had to answer the question, it would be getting the Wii (from ebay, with a coupon that brought the price down considerably and via Upromise so that we could get the rebate for our son’s 529 account:–).