The simplest things

I hope that everyone had an enjoyable Christmas, that family and friends was a priority. Mine was quiet and reflective. Not to sound like scrooge, but the older I get, the less into Christmas I have become. I find the season stressful. I am glad that it’s almost over. Had it not been for the boys, Caesar more so than Thorr, I would have disconnected from what I have come to view as commercialized madness a long time ago.

My feeling about the season is partly cultural. I was born and raised on an Island where Santa Claus did not come. There were no toys beneath a Christmas tree come Christmas morning. But the season was festive. There was music and dancing and children playing in the street. Wild flowers decorated the landscape in the most magnificent colors. Visiting friends and family was pleasurable.

For the past few years, I’ve been feeling as if I am playing a game that I don’t want to play, but can’t quite get out. Caesar still believes in Santa Claus. And there is no escaping the commercials and the expectations that is associated with celebrating Christmas. I have friends who are devastated because they cannot afford to buy their children the things that they want which amounts to hundreds of
dollars of stuff. Love is not enough.

As much as I love the pleasure that Caesar gets from ripping through gifts that he believes comes from Santa, a part of me cries out in shame.

There is so much suffering in the world…so many children dying of hunger at this very moment. The excess, of which we are a part, paralyzes me.

I speak to Caesar and Thorr a lot about kindness and the importance of sharing with
others. I want them to understand the value of a dollar, and not take things for granted. I want them to respect life and have compassion for those who are less fortunate. I know that long after they have outgrown the stuff, the values will remain. The simpliest things in life, the stuff that doesn't cost anything, is the most valuable. I want them never to forget that.

I want to take this time to thank my readers not just for sharing my life all these years, but for the privilege of making me a part of yours. I have met some of the most amazing people. I consider many of you friends. I am grateful and thankful for you. As we approach the new year, I lift my glass to you...

Cheers…to us,
The life we’ve lived
The places we’ve been
The lessons we’ve learned
And the people we’ve become.
May we stay true to who we are…
May we live our dreams
May we know our strength in our darkest hours
May we never lose our capacity to love.

Comments

[Lisa]

Happy holidays, Kitten.
I know what you mean about christmas. It's become a way for consumers to make money.
I don't buy into the hoopla.

[Cheryl]

Thanks for sharing your life stories and insights.
I have learned a LOT from you. Many blessings for the new year.

[Melissa]

I love this post, Kitten.
May you find all that you are looking for in this life.

[Charlie]

May you continue to share you life stories.
May the coming year be your best one yet.

[Sam]

Love you, Kitten.
May the new year brings you peace.
Hope the boys are doing well

[Georgia]

As a society we are out of control. Everything is a business.
Christmas is a business, Easter, Halloween...
I grew up very poor. We barely had food so my parents couldn't afford to buy toys and pretend that they are from
Santa. I was not damaged in anyway. I do not feel that I missed out on anything.
I raised my kids to understand that the season is about family. May all your dreams and wishes come through

I just found your site and I love it. Will definitely be a regular.

[Nina]

I smile at this...
We are a society of waste and it's getting worst. I'm with Georgia 100%. Every holiday is now
focused on how much consumers spend. I know that consumer spending is good for the economy but the bigger issue is what are we teaching our children? I have friends too who are going into debt to buy their kids stuff that they can't afford.
This is complete madness and no one is saying anything.

[Amanda]

Beautiful, Kitten. Happy New Year, sweetheart.
May all your dreams come true

[kmplx]

*raises up a hot venom* cheers to you for another 'hit-nail-on-head' post, skit.

[Em]

I have never understood why we lie to children about Santa Claus.
I don't have children so maybe I'm missing something...but I don't think so.
I also grew up in a country where Santa Claus did not come.
Happy New Year, Kitten

[LohiO]

Happy holiday kitten!

[Erin]

Lovin' you, Kitten. Happy New Year
May you never stop stirring the pot

[Meagan]

May love and peace find you. Hope all is well with the boys.
I love you friend.