just can't do it

I was shocked to find out that a local radio station switched to all Christmas music right after Halloween. Right. I know. I had heard from friends in other parts of the country that this craziness had already occurred where they live, but surely it wouldn't happen here. The boys and I were in the car yesterday without our usual cds or dvds, so I scanned the radio and stopped on a familiar Christmas song. I love Christmas music, so I left it on. I actually enjoyed it. We listened to a few songs before we got home.

Later that day while in the car again, I turned back to the Christmas station. One hour later we were on our way home again, and what do you know...the SAME song was playing. The one we'd heard maybe an hour ago. At that moment I just knew I couldn't do it. I can't deal with this forced Holiday Spirit. I can't give in to this forced Holiday Spirit that's really only interested in making a buck. Big heavy sigh.

I guess this is why we're doing things a little different this year. We're planning on adding some things to our celebrating that will help bring our focus to Christ this Christmas and move away from the gifts, the busy schedules, the instant gratification.......our own self-absorption. Our plan is to celebrate the Advent every night as a family, even with our little ones. And Santa will still be there....just not the central figure. After all, St. Nick loved Jesus, too! We're also keeping the weekend before Christmas free of plans for as long as we can help it. Our schedule is filling fast, and we need time to just be a family. As for presents, the boys will only get 3 gifts from us. We went overboard last year, and it just isn't right. And there are other things that I'd love to do that will have to wait until the boys are older.

So, we'll keep listening to our Charlie Brown Christmas music since that one's nice enough to keep in the rotation all year 'round, and save the hard core stuff for after Thanksgiving. And no, our Christmas tree isn't going up before Thanksgiving, and we'll be lucky if we get any outdoor lights before December 25th. I can handle the Christmas decor in the stores....if only because B and J love seeing it all, so shopping is just somewhat easier if we get to see the "twees and the twains" before we leave.