I love this picture of me. There aren’t many of me at this age sitting by myself without a sister or two. I’m in a Christmas sweater and a turtle neck, probably coordinating with one of my sisters. I look happy in this picture. I’m six years old here and I am sure by the time this photo was taken, I’d had at least 4 of Aunt Beth’s sugar cookies and snuck an extra roll or two. I don’t have a mortgage or bills to pay. I spend most of my days at the kitchen table learning from my homeschooling mom. It’s so funny how quickly a photo can transport you. I am at my Aunt Jan’s house on Christmas night. That is when we would open presents at her house, usually followed by a large sleepover. I can remember going to sleep to the sound of my aunts talking at the kitchen table while my sisters and I slept side by side on a pull out couch. We were packed in like sardines, all five of us, and I loved it. If I try really hard I can summon all the senses and use them to put myself back in time to that very moment, as I am sure you could do with your own fond memories.
Whatever the tradition, whatever your age, I bet Christmas makes you think of your childhood. You probably have a similar photo, maybe even similar in style if you’re a 90’s kid. I bet it makes you feel things you thought you’d left behind. We all know how bittersweet those recollections can be for us. It’s hard to think about what you did or didn’t get under the tree each Christmas morning, or who was or wasn’t at the dinner table with you. Maybe it’s the traditional meals and celebrations and the nostalgia that make you feel like a kid again. I just want to encourage you to embrace that position. Eat too many cookies. Watch a Christmas movie without glancing at your phone the entire film. Play and laugh and enjoy the festivities with your friends and family. Questions like, “Who did you vote for?”, “What do you believe about this controversial topic?”, “Why is your hair dyed?”, “Why do you dress that way?”, None of these things matter that much to a 6 year old. They come to the party and they love the people there. That’s pretty much it. In case you're still a little lost, I put together a little list to inspire childlikeness in you and yours. Merry Christmas.
10 Ways to Embrace Christmas as the child you once were and the child you always will be
Actively listen in conversations with those who are older than you.
Put your phone away when with family and friends and play!
Find a kid and play with them. It’s not that hard. Do it.
Find the local angel tree organization in your community and pick out an angel to shop for. There is nothing more child infused than shopping for a 7 year old's favorite barbie.
Repeat one tradition from your childhood you’ve let slide over the years.
Choose to see the good, no matter the circumstance.
Choose to make up and move on when conflict arises.
Help someone decorate their home for Christmas.
Invite a friend to come enjoy your Christmas gifts with you.
Sing Christmas songs, anywhere and anytime you see fit.
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