This is one of those years that I feel behind. Especially after spending some time online and seeing everyone's gorgeous photos of their Christmas decorations, which have been up for like, two weeks. I hate to admit that I have not even started.
So I'm resolved:
Today, I WILL put our tree up.
I won't rest until it, and all the decorating, is done.
Can you tell I have my game face on?
This is not how I like to approach Christmas decorating. You know, with a battlefield mentality. I like to envision the process taking place with dreamy fog around the edges, Nat King Cole crooning Silent Night in the background, wassail simmering on the stove. Me, in a darling Christmas sweater, carefully trimming the tree, while a fire crackles in the fireplace.
The reality is that today will be a bit more like a D-Day invasion, with boxes of decor landing on the back step beach head with great thuds. Tom will have hoisted them on his shoulders, bringing box after box, while I try and make sense of the garland and untangle lights. Flash and Henry will look on with utter disbelief, and wonder what the fuss is about. We'll have a battle plan for unloading and installing. I'll give marching orders.
Real festive, huh?
But once that tree is in its stand, and I put some Nat King Cole on, I know that the battlefield will become a wonderland. My resolve will give way to reverie, and my game face will melt into a joyful smile. Once I see the kids' ornaments come out, all will be well. I love that Christmas has the power to soften edges and bring beauty to my busy life.
Perhaps your Christmas season has become a project to accomplish, rather than a season to savor?
Like me, you feel behind and the only way to "get it done" is to don a helmet and grimly march forward. I'm there today, sistah.
Would you take a moment with me to pause?
Let's remember that much of the activity and hustle and bustle isn't "necessary," and we can actually choose how much or how little to do. We can say "no" to some things so that we can enjoy the BEST things. And we can let the spirit of the season fill us with memories and hope...if we'll stop and remember what it's all about. There's a baby in a manger - the hope of glory - and He's not worried about whether or not the garland is hung artfully on the stair rail.
He simply whispers, "Come, on bended knee."
It's Christmas, people. Let the joy begin.
