Happy Holidays and Merry Everything! (Insert Eyeroll) Wink!

Before I begin, totally unrelated to this blog, let me start off by saying that I am going to try to focus more on this one. Last blog for me was not what I wanted it to be, so let's get started!! I am going to try to keep this as light and positive as I can, but I am also going to keep it completely honest!

First off, I sincerely pray that everyone has a wonderful holiday. It's supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but folks, I have to say, I am slap over the initial holiday part.

Here's why: I am sure we can all say that there's one thing for sure that has played a part in the difference in everyone's mood and the way things have been done this year. Her name is COVID. She sure didn't help things... so there's that! Furthermore, the cheer is just not there for me. It get's harder and harder each year! I have to work all day the day before and the day after! I swear, the holidays approach in the blink of an eye every year. You blink and... BAM! It's there staring you in the face!

It's ridiculous... I mean, can I breathe?? For me, I see Christmas in September even before Halloween, and let's just totally forget about Thanksgiving! RETAIL LIFE! By the time Christmas day get's here, there is nothing left. No Christmas spirit! I so don't like that feeling! Each year, it seems to get further and further away from what the holidays are supposed to be about. Working in retail doesn't help that either! I am thankful to be working, but long hours and extra early mornings catch up to you! I promise you, you gain a whole new perspective on how greed has taken over the meaning of Christmas and holidays in general: It's become commercialized. and quite frankly, a financial burden. The stress of buying the latest and greatest, the pressure of feeling as if you have to spend an unnecessary amount of money, and the disappointment that may follow just because someone doesn't approve of what they were gifted. That's always a plus! I've decided from here forward that gifts are not for me to go crazy over. The reason is that I've decided on simpler holidays and to let go of the stress. I simply want it to be typically time with family or friends if it works out that way... movies, hot chocolate, and food ! Of course, I will get a few cards out in the mail. Everything else is overrated! As long as I am cozied up with Alexa playing festive music and some hot chocolate, I am content! My focus will be on my kiddos moving forward getting something that they need and something that they want, and that is that! Cheers to the simpler holidays! I encourage a lot more of you to give it a try. It will save you a headache and financial stressers. I just want the joyful feeling back! Who doesn't ? I am getting too old! I just realized I am getting old.... Wow! The simpler things are really what makes you the happiest in life. I am learning that. Plus, I work for what I want and need. Gifts are fine and very much appreciated when they are recieved! I am not saying that... just don't lose focus on the true warm feeling of the holidays. Save your sanity! You owe that to yourself! Spread love and kindeness. Go help out at a soup kitchen or shelter and do good deeds! It will make your heart feel really good, and you will make someone else's holiday! I am going to aim to make that my goal next year... this year, if I can make it work! I have been really wanting to do a soup kitchen. I don't know... that's just really been on my heart for awhile.

Ladies and Gentlemen, my gift to you is to wish you peace in your hearts, food in your bellies, and the feeling of love not just for the upcoming year but throughout your life. Sending all of my love and the warmest of virtual hugs to all of my readers! May God bless you and carry you. Thank you for reading. I look forward to sharing the next blog soon, and I appreciate all of the support! Feel free to share! Thanks so much.

~Kamie~