The reality of Christmas

Christmas is supposed to be about giving, but it's hard not to have expectations. This time of year is great for those who have family close by. Traditional, storybook families, where everyone is happy and healthy and not going through divorces, or dealing with disabilities.

The cheeriest person trying to decorate the house on a budget, buying gifts with love and trying to make plans that leave no one out while stepping on no one's toes can find it difficult.

What I really want for Christmas is for everything to be the way it was last year.

Then there are those I bent over backwards for, worried they won't have a nice Christmas. I have been learning today that they will have to leave early, aren't bringing gifts, aren't really interested in more than coming, getting their gift and leaving. Christmas brings out the grinches.

I don't know if the joy I felt getting ready for Christmas was worth the disappointment I'm feeling right now, but I think it was.

I did everything with love and that love is still within me. I just need to let go of the rest. Things are what they are and maybe they will be better next year.