The Real Value of Christmas
In amongst the marketing hype and sales messages, we quite often forget the true meaning behind Christmas.
And yep – this is coming from a saddlery store owner!
For my family as we were growing up, Christmas was never really about the presents. Yes, as kids, my brothers and I got excited about getting a new toy or two.
But the real excitement came because we got to visit our grandparents on Christmas Day (who we adored) – and enjoyed lots of fun running around with our cousins who we didn’t see overly often.
It was the incredible food and my Grandfather crazily singing at the top of his lungs, as he carved the roast.
Or giggling with my Grandmother, as my mother attempted to tell the two of us off for drowning our Christmas pudding with ridiculous lashings of cream and custard.
And the inevitable shrieks from my mum as she fell victim once again to Grandpas crazy practical jokes.
It was the family. The laughter. The happy craziness...and sheer fun!
Maybe I was a strange child. But I always enjoyed the experiences rather than the physical ‘stuff’.
Plus the possible chance of getting a much-prized and much-awaited pony ride on my cousins pony (which was worth far more to me than any toy anyone could possibly buy for me).
And these days as an adult – whilst I thoroughly love seeing our own young kids enjoy Christmas and their excitement of Santa arriving and unwrapping presents – Christmas is made ‘special’ because it’s the one time of the year where our family comes together, to stop and drop the usual crazy pace of life, relax and simply enjoy each other’s company.
Because it’s really easy to forget the true magic and joy of Christmas these days – because of the perceived pressure.
The pressure of buying the ‘perfect gift’ (and the agonising indecision of having to choose precisely the right thing and spend a certain amount of money).
The pressure of laying out the perfect table setting that’s ‘Insta-worthy’.
The pressure of cooking the perfect food (and taking photos to plaster all over Facebook).
All to keep up with these perfect ‘expectations’ of what Christmas ‘should look like’.
Which isn’t to say that giving and receiving gifts isn’t fun, enjoyable or important.
Or that going to the extra effort to set a pretty table or to cook special food isn’t important either.
Those things are awesome! And if that’s what makes you happy – go for it! Hell – go all out!
Just don’t get bogged down in the pursuit of ‘perfection’ to the point where Christmas becomes about stress, expectation and pressure – and therefore just isn’t enjoyable anymore.
Because it should be about family, friends, appreciation, relaxation and fun (with perhaps the chance to squeeze in some extra horse-time too)!
And whilst yes – Christmas is our busiest time of year when it comes to running our business.
For me, it’s not about the money or the marketing messages.
Yes we market – or we wouldn’t have a business.
And yes – the ultimate aim is to make a bit of money – or we wouldn’t be able to feed our kids(!) or keep a roof over our heads.
But what really makes me happy at this time of year, is seeing a child’s face light up, when she gets something extra special for her beloved pony (which reminds me of me and that raw passion when I was a pony-mad child!).
Or seeing a rider treat themselves to something special and new – that makes them or their horse look and most importantly, FEEL great!
It’s about seeing horse riding dreams come true. Goals made possible.
Due to the gear and clothing that we so lovingly sell.
It’s about sharing my passion for horses with the like-minded and lovely horse-enthusiasts who walk through our shop door (or who we assist online)!
It’s about happiness. A love for horses. And the true joy for the magic of Christmas!
(And totally at the risk of sounding like a very sappy business owner :p)
Sarah
Owner/Manager
One Stop Horse Shop