The older I got, the more I wondered just what it was about this tradition that my parents loved. You know how teenagers get. Driving around with your parents just to look at Christmas lights was boring to say the least and definitely not cool.
Then I got married and started having kids of my own. The magic of Christmas changed for me. It wasn't waiting to see what appeared for me under the Christmas tree on Christmas day that excited me anymore. What excites me now are the smiles on my childrens faces as we decorate the Christmas tree, the strand of Christmas tree lights that dangle from their beds (they like to decorate their rooms too) and yes, the fun we have as a family while we travel around town enjoying all of the Christmas lights and decorations.
It didn't take long for me to realize that the greatest joys of the holiday season truly are the simple ones. Time spent with family and friends, some of whom you rarely see until the holidays are the most treasured gifts of the holiday season. Caroling with loved ones, decorating the Christmas tree and and helping my mom wrap presents are things I remember fondly about Christmas.
That is why this year I'm going to keep it simple. I'm not going to worry about whether Aunt Jane will like the sweater I bought her. I'm not going to worry about giving my kids so many gifts just to make their Christmas morning special. I am going to spend time with them, have fun with them and show them what Christmas is really all about.
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