O P I N I O N
THE URBAN HIPPIE
By Irene Martin
I love the holiday season!
Which, in my experience begins mid-October and grows in pace and price through November and December until most things come to a screeching halt Jan 2 or so. As a parent I broke my neck and bank account for years to provide my family with wonderful, unforgettable Holiday memories. Sometimes I succeeded, sometimes failed miserably and mostly landed somewhere in between. I remember times so lovely the memories bring tears to my eyes. I also remember being so exhausted and overwhelmed that I cried tears of frustration.
As my kids aged I naturally scaled back the holiday insanity that included decorating, driving hither and yon to all things holiday related. I remember the last tree I decorated was a fake tree that stayed up until June, July?? One of my grown sons was appalled and called us the Bensalem Hillbillies, LOL! What made it worse was whenever my sister came over she would turn on the lights and enjoy the colors. In June. But it was her birthday month so we let her have her way.
After that I never put up another tree. We had tried several smaller versions of trees and holidays. My dear friend Bern put up her lovely miniature tree one year and the house got a nice cleaning and the holidays were great. Our very last decorations of any kind was a Charlie Brown tree purchased at CVS. Cute, easy up and down in 5 minutes. After two seasons, even that seemed unnecessary anymore.
The first year I didn’t decorate was probably weird. But not enough that I remember what year it was. I just remember thinking “I don’t need this to enjoy the season, so I’m not putting myself through this nonsense anymore.” Not in a “bah-humbug” mindset. More of a “I just want to enjoy myself more than exhaust myself” mindset. The kids were grown, my husband isn’t religious and my faith is something that’s within me year round. I decided to give decorating a pass. We still exchanged small gifts and observed the day with nice food and a relaxed, grateful attitude.
After that, each year when the holidays approached I felt freer and lighter. I really enjoyed public decorations and tree lightings, loved my friends gorgeous homes and was able to immerse myself in a wide variety of celebrations and fun things that I never had time to do in the past because I was busy trying to make everyone else’s holiday dreams a reality, as was my duty and pleasure. But once I released myself from expectations, I was free to experience whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. And I am having a wonderful time!
I’m grateful to live in a culturally diverse area (Philadelphia metro) and am exposed to so many wonderful holiday observances. I have an abundance of color, cultures and faiths to join in with. Almost all are welcome to every observance. Now that I’m not responsible for anyone’s holiday experience but my own, I can participate as much or as little as I feel like. And there are so many things still yet to do! I have yet to attend a reenactment of Washington’s Crossing of the Delaware, but it’s on my list! We have so many lovely museums, estates, nature centers and national parks I will never run out new experiences. And now I have the time to do as much or as little as I want. How delicious!
Please understand, this is NOT criticism of the millions of folks who love all of the holiday craziness. Bless you and more power to you! What I hope to do is reach out to those who, like me, are over the stress and exhaustion of the holidays and find a simpler and more enjoyable way to celebrate and participate. We’ve been there done that. Now let’s just enjoy the (Sleigh) ride through the holidays. No guilt, no regrets. Just thoroughly enjoying ourselves and this season of joy.
Blessings to you and yours. 
You can reach Irene Martin at ireneemartinother@gmail.com.
The Urban Hippie is a 60-something senior living in the Philly burbs. Still trying to figure out what she wants to be when and if she ever grows up. She welcomes all feedback and can be reached at ireneemartinother@gmail.com.