I've always felt it what you make of it. Some people get stressed right out over gifts and make themselves miserable while they would be much happier if they just got busy having a good time with people and spread some joy around. It doesn't matter what you've got, but what you do that's really important.
There are a couple of things that we have made into tradition around our place. We set up our Christmas tree on December 8th each year.
It started with my mother actually and we've carried it over to my family and now is the traditional day we set it up. The thing is, it's the day John Lennon was shot and killed. So we listen to some Beatles and Lennon's Double Fantasy album, yes album on vinyl.
Each year we try and make a gift for each other. We still buy some gifts but there is always a little something that we've made now.
My son has become "a fiance" this year and so we have a new woman to bring into the circle. She is a traditional country girl from Japan who was here studying as a student. So the whole culture aspect has a new relevance as she is very keen on understanding our culture. She also brings her own culture as well and so it's a very rich experience for me. I love some things about old Japanese culture.
Though I wax sentimental here my meaning is to make it your own in finding the things that you like about the season and those people you hold dear, and make them your own to celebrate.
Whether it's a religious observance of some kind or a display of affection and socializing with friends, it's probably what anyone, profit, deity, ancestor or creator would be proud to see should they look in on your activities come Christmas.
