Sometimes it is All About the Presents

Here’s the thing. There are these messages floating around this time of year, that kind of shame people who LOVE the whole gift aspect of Christmas. Like they haven’t been enlightened  because they don’t realize that stuff doesn’t matter and the reason for the season is “PRESENCE” not “PRESENTS”.

I know that I have been party to dispersing these messages myself. That is until this year. When I saw in my son what I have always known to be true in myself.

We are gift people.

It’s not about size, shape, or price, we do not discriminate. But if the gift isn’t “us” or someone insinuates that we are materialistic for being giddy AF about opening presents on Christmas morning, then it is literally soul-crushing.

You see, it is all about the presents for us.

Getting them, giving them, wrapping them, looking at them after they’ve been opened. Thanking the gift givers repeatedly for their gift but also just for “getting” us. And then immediately starting the countdown for the next birthday or holiday where we will receive another gift. The presents are not a “less than” aspect of the holiday (or any holiday) for us.  It’s just the way we are wired.

I get it that these other messages can be helpful when there isn’t a lot to go around, or if Christmas or gifts aren’t really your thing. But can we be mindful of the gift lovers out there?! Nobody deserves to be shamed for being different. And let’s be real, minimalist (totes admire you minimalists and LOVEEEE your style, but also totes okay that I will never be able to join your ranks) or not, who doesn’t love when someone surprises them with a gift that says, “I saw this and thought of you!” EVERYBODY loves that, amiright?!

Anyway, this year we are embracing our love of presents in this house, unapologetically.

My husband and I are legit stoked to see the looks on our little guys faces! And here all the little “Thank yous!” and “I love yous!” that aren’t just for the gifts themselves but also for us knowing them/ seeing them enough to get just what would be meaningful to them.

And do you know what?! It’s so much more fun to embrace our joy and ditch even a hint of shame.

Tell us, are gifts your thangggg?!