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 I still feel withdrawn, like I’m in a cave and not ready to come out.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?
