During the 80’s I began single, then married, had two adorable children, started a successful business, and lived a big life. Hair and Christmases were big too. If you are of a certain age you know what I mean. The celebrations, church programs, big trees, bigger trees, origin of icicle lights, and the best wrapping paper ever, to mention a few. When you have littles, the Christmas greetings have precious photos. Because we learn Christmas from our mothers, I owe her so much, but I appreciate my daughter-in-law and her more minimalist view. She is generous but not extravagant. I’m not extravagant except when it comes to my family. There were lots of presents under my tree this year until I packed and mailed them. The days of exchanging gifts with many friends are over. It was fun and I still love my friends. Yesterday I sent a few texts wishing Happy New Years. I stopped at 58. Technology has made my good wishes easy, brief, and less personal. A magazine, December addition, said something like this about the blessings of the season, “Through the eyes of a child – that is how familiar the traditions we renew year after year, our joy is as glorious as it was the first time we looked up at the smiling angel atop our tree. For Christmas is, after all, wonderment…”. There is an angel in this sentiment yet no Jesus. During the 80’s I had energy and applied that energy to everything. It was a season of plenty I hope my children will still experience in part. I don’t need opulent anymore. I want average – just enough. I’ve experienced the 90’s and my experience was fear for reasons I will not reiterate. 2000-2010 continued to worsen so the opulent 80’s have been some happy memories. We did pretend prosperity for gaieties sake. Children deserve the sweetest moments. Christmas was still as good as possible but the joy was the kids. Only after 2016 did I get my mojo and my own joy back that redefined Christmas forever. Opulent has a variety of interpretations but means things like ostentatiously rich, and luxurious or lavish. Over-the-top is how I would explain opulent and my only real hope through every season has been an opulent Savior. There was one tree in our family room when I was around age 17. I understood money, thought I understood boyfriends, had made gifts, and on Christmas morning it was so full of life. I had never seen so many gifts and it surprised me. I was full of hope. I don’t think anything has topped that year except for my babies and grandbabies. I know now that I don’t need anything but I crave contentment. There is more love at Christmas. People are nicer and more thoughtful. That part feels opulent. I think we should resolve to forgive the Grinch’s out there who make Christmas hard when it should be filled with opulent love.
