The Joyful UnChristmas Season

I'm unChristmasing this year.  I hate the obligatory feeling of spending money and giving gifts.  Appropriate gifts are hard to find and I hate shopping and I hate spending money...it really seems like a waste of money if it wasn't something someone REALLY wanted and they are the only ones that know that.  I don't decorate, no room to store stuff, no one comes over to our little space anyway.  I'd rather spend time with people I appreciate in my life...if you enjoy me, maybe have lunch with me, go on walk with me, go to Paint Nite with me, that's the best unChristmas gift you can give me...maybe next year if this year is too much pressure, it's fine by me.  If we don't like each other that much, no gift, time or money required.

I figure if I unChristmas I will give others permission to unChristmas too, I will greatly appreciate whatever you give me if that is your love language and you found me the perfect thing, the thought, the time put into it, the money...all of it will be appreciated if it feels important to you.  But it's not necessary because it's the season to do so.  I would so much more appreciate your presence rather than your presents.  So don't expect Christmas gifts from me unless you birthed me or I birthed you, for those I do feel the necessity to recognize your constant care, concern, effort, presence, service, worry, for better or worse, in my behalf (or yours)...as well as help as I can where you are in need (usually money). And for my hubby...well that's always easy to know how to spread joy with him, no money or shopping required.

The holiday season is often a very depressing, lonely and difficult time for many.  Families that are disconnected and hurting, loneliness and grief...just a reminder of what they are missing. Those in poverty struggling or just the comparison of others joyful social lives or large families, expensive gifts and a reminder of everything they lack and can't give...or receive.  My gift to you is the gift of not comparing what you lack with others and no pressure to do anything for me or anyone else for that matter.

So Merry UnChristmas to you, may you all just enjoy the presence of those you love or if there is no one, just enjoy doing something you love.  Give your self the gift of simplicity and time to just enjoy the moment...is there anything more joyful than that?  Spread the joy!