The Obligatory Christmas Post. Or Something. Whatever

I like Christmas. Who doesn't really? But I wouldn't go so far as to say I absolutely love the holiday. Why, you ask? For many reasons really, but the one that stands out selfishly to me is...

Because I am a spoiled little brat who never actually gets spoiled and so why the fuck am I even a spoiled brat? It's all in the attitude 'yo. 

I remember Christmas' of yesterday, when even with 5 other siblings to compete with, I was still guaranteed that 1/5 of those presents under the tree had my name on it. And with 6 kids, you're very correct to think that was a lot of presents under the tree.

Now don't get me wrong, I wasn't so selfish that I would hastily rip open one present at a time, casually tossing it to the side in anticipation of the next, bigger, better gift. I was a gracious child (for the most part) and usually lingered over each one, oooo'ing and awwww'ing at the pretty wrapping paper and (usually) thoughtful gift. I would then take it to each parent and sibling to garner some kind of jealousy over it; which would almost always earn me an exact replica of the gift, in a different color or pattern, thrown right back at me. But I did it anyways, each and every Christmas.

As you can probably guess, Christmas time with 6 kids didn't mean a lot of expensive gifts; no one can afford to spoil that many children without taking out a loan against the mortgage. But, we did well, and my parents never made us do without all the new and exciting gadgets and toys that we craved. We sometimes shared them too, because who needs 6 Nintendo game systems?

BUT. When adulthood came and went and my children were born, Christmas took on a whole new meaning. Gifts weren't purchased for me anymore...at least not in the same quantities, and when they were it usually consisted of household appliances and grocery store gift cards.

Husbands can be such assholes, no? 

So, while I get excited each and every year (as well as panic over the cost of the whole season) my excitement is now reserved for my children. Because watching their faces on Christmas morning when I 'pretend' to make them wait until after breakfast to open their presents (Thanks Mom and Dad for that torture technique) and then hover quietly in the corner when they rip wrapping paper in a frenzy, I am reminded about the joy I had as a kid, and how important this holiday was for me then.

I don't love it, because I still hold some resentment of getting older and not being spoiled, obviously, I certainly like it. I do however, love what it does for my children.