Merry Christmas

Happy Yuletide, let's celebrate the Solstice or anything else that you're into!

The festive season is not so festive for me. I try for the sake of my kids,

but really it is a time that generally finds me harangued by the black dog.

We do the tree, the big feed, crafts and baking sometimes. But 

Santa is not our thing since our youngest decided he isn't real last year,

and religion just doesn't fit with us.

My history is full of memorable Christmasses for all the wrong reasons.

Coming from a poor, single-parent family as a child, trees falling over, no gifts or ones that you don't want. No batteries, toys broken from getting them out of the packaging, things that simply don't work, frustration and anger. Family that don't 'get' you and aren't open to the possibility that you can be your own person and not impinge on their lives. Blame, guilt, anger, lack of appreciation, denial, alienation, and absenteeism, it's all there. Along with history, memories, right or wrong, of misdeeds and abuses that refuse to be forgiven or forgotten.

It all ends in a 'not-so-festive' season for me and I am glad right now that it is Christmas night, I have a Jameson's nightcap, everyone is in bed and it is all over for another year.

On the upside I love my hubby and kids. They are the breath of me. They are what keeps me grounded and they give me the will to keep going. They support me and love me and they are my 'reason for the season'. Each one of them is unique in personality and talents, each one of them feeds my soul in completely different ways and I am so utterly grateful for their presence in my life.

So.................

This page is an artistic representation of the joy my kids bring to my life.

Inspired by the December challenge over at Kraft It Up.

Aren't they gorgeous kids!

I do hope that your Christmas was joyous,

spent with people you love and who love you.

And I wish that you all have an amazing year ahead,

full of friendship, laughter, prosperity, and happiness.

Thank you all so much for visiting me through 2013!

Yours in scrappiness