Snap into Holiday Cheer

It's another Christmas holiday (cue Boyz II Men) and I am doing my best to get into the Christmas spirit. I've forced myself to set the table for our annual Christmas morning brunch (which consists of 5-8 people tops), I wrote out the menu on our holiday chalk board and even bought the groceries in advance. But there's something about small, intimate gatherings that feel less authentic to the holidays. For the second year in a row I just am not in the mood.

It doesn't help that I've only bought a couple small gifts and here we are days away from Christmas. Each year, my family and I say we're not doing gifts and each year we realize who were we kidding? So I always end up shopping last minute and therefore not sticking to budget. But this is the last year that I'm saying, "Next year." I promise myself I will plan ahead and buy presents early in 2022, and this here blog is the written proof.

Shifting from your twenties, when you're still pretty much a kid and just show up to Christmas brunch when you're told, to your thirties where you are now responsible for planning said get together, is a transition in itself. It's like oh you an adult adult now so get the organizing. It can be especially hard your first few Christmases without your family member who loved the holidays most. But you take the torch that was passed to you and you get to work because "Ya'll know that's what Big Mama wanted" -little Ahmad in Soul Food.

Part of the evolution of life is starting new traditions and one of the greatest joys of adulthood is realizing, "Hey I can do things the way I want to." I can take from the old and add my own spin to things.

In attempt to shake the holiday blues, I've made myself watch the boring Lifetime movies, baked the cookies, and fortunately my Mom put up the tree and made decorations. I've pulled out all of my Christmas pjs and look forward to wearing my new plaid onesie all day on Saturday.

I am blessed to have loved ones to share Christmas with, and having spent a few holidays alone, I do not take that for granted. I want people to know I love them not just by the gifts I give but by the food I make with love, by choosing to be present, and showing up for people in the ways they need.

So, here's to more cheer starting today and going into the New Year. If you are being a Grinch like I was, turn that frown upside down and put a little pep in your step. Throw on the Braxton Family Christmas album (it's my fave) or whichever upbeat tunes you prefer, hey throw on some Snoop if it gets you going, pop some popcorn, pop a cork and thank God for all of His blessings. Even if it's been a hard year, I'm sure you can think of a few things to be grateful for.

I love you and God loves you even more! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family!

-Renée Nicole

@reneenicoleiam

Still feeling blue? Watch this amazing Christmas performance by Jonathan McReynolds and Mali Music on Tiny Desk!