Where is the Christmas Cheer?

Today marks the fifth day of Blogmas. Fifteen days of my thoughts, with some Christmas cheer sprinkled in.

Christmas has been my favorite holiday for the longest time, although it doesn't quite illuminate the same magic that it did when I was younger. I remember when I would stay up late watching Christmas movies the night before or even sleeping in the same bed as my sister. I was so excited about Santa, I even asked for a picture to be left on my camera, and well, he delivered. A somewhat blurry picture of Santa Claus in front of my tree appeared on the camera. Each year, it's been tradition to leave out cookies for Santa and carrots for his reindeer because they are equally important. I also used to leave out a book for him to read, but that tradition didn't carry on in the same way as the cookies did.

For me, Christmas has always been about the traditions my family has, and we have quite a few of them. They are what I have been raised on, so of course I love them. While these traditions carry on, the childlike whimsy that we all used to carry along with us has dwindled. It makes me feel sad because this magical day passes by before my eyes, almost as if it didn't happen. This year, I am scheduled to work till 5 pm on Christmas Eve, which kind of breaks my heart a little. I remember when winter break truly meant a break from everything; now it's just a break from school, and I still work. Yes, this is being an adult, and honestly, it sucks.

Even the weather agrees; I haven't had snow during winter break since I was a kid in middle school. If anything is magical, it's snow. I mean, the way that every flake has its own characteristics, and there is never a duplicate flake. It's incredible and boggles my mind completely.

If I am going to bring light to the negative, I will also bring light to the positive. It's fun having my own money to spoil my family members, and it becomes a true surprise what I'm getting them. When I was younger, I would go to the mall with either one of my parents to search for gifts. Gifts aren't even what Christmas is about; it's about the company and taking the time to be with loved ones. I am grateful to love and to be loved, even when I miss the childlike whimsy and not having as many responsibilities.