An Old Soul Christmas

My children (young adults at present) may see me as old -fashioned for many reasons.  I believe in strong core values, the act of saying please and thank you and the relevance of sharing dinner and prayer together. But, I’d rather think of myself as an old soul.   I’ve been comfortable with that persona since my early twenties, but now that I am 50, perhaps I’m just old!

According to Urban Dictionary, an old soul is a “spiritual person whom is wise beyond their years: people of strong emotional stability”.  Basically, someone who has more understanding of the world around them.

While I want to believe that Urban Dictionary has me pegged, I am not everything described, but I do feel as though I am always observing and trying to make sense of the world around me.  Usually, I am trying to make sense of why I don’t always fit in.

During the holidays, having an old soul for a parent can be a drag.  I’m hoping that you’re intrigued and are ready to take the old soul Christmas questionnaire, so if you read the characteristic below and find yourself nodding incessantly, you too are guilty my friend. And your children are probably calling you Scrooge.

Old Soul Christmas approach:

You decorate just enough to show you are celebrating the season, but not enough to be the recipient of oos and ahhhs.

You use recycled paper from last year’s holiday and value your resourcefulness more than your ability to dazzle.

You relish the taste of one amazing out of the oven snicker doodle- warm and melting in your mouth with delight.

You only send cards to those you miss, and you WRITE in your card, not simply sign your name.

You take mental notes year long and have gifts in mind by Halloween.

You make your own cards.

You know the real meaning of the season and let that guide your actions.

So, I’ve heard a few complaints and observations over the years:

“I’m not kidding when I say the Smiths have gone all out!  They have more lights on their house then we have on our street!”

Or:

“Can we all go away to St. Michael’s for Christmas like the Robinsons?”

And

“We give the worse gifts ever!  Practical ones!”

Sorry my children, but your mother’s an old soul.  If I had my druthers, I’d be Beth in Little Women and on Christmas Day, I’d feed a family in need and that would be ideal.

From Little Women by Louisa May Alcott-

“Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents,” grumbled Jo.

“It’s so dreadful to be poor,” sighed Meg.

“Some girls have all the pretty things, while others have nothing,” sniffed Amy.

“But we’ve got Mother and Father and each other,” said Beth from the corner.

So my children, there’s always Valentine’s Day to look forward to!