I try to keep my Christmas preparations simple. Simple gifts, simple menu, simple plans.
But it doesn’t matter. It seems like this time of year is always crazy anyway. I think it’s because just a normal day in the middle of…say…April is busy. Normal life is full of things to do. Throw a big holiday into the mix and there’s a good chance you’ve got…craziness.
A few years ago, Matt was standing in a long line at Wal-mart sometime during the month of December. Playing on the store speakers was, “It’s the most…wonderful time….of the year….” He looked at all the people in the line with him…and at all the people walking in and out of the store. Not ONE of them was smiling. Not one of them looked like they were enjoying the season. NO one looked happy. Most people were grumbling…looking at their watches…shaking their heads in disgust at how long the lines were.
If it weren’t such a sad picture, he might have laughed. “It’s the hap-happiest sea-son of all!”
What’s wrong with this “most wonderful time of the year“? What has happened to our focus during Christmas? Why does it become stressful? And why are so many people grumpy?
Might I make a few suggestions for us during the next two weeks? (And by us, I am very much including me.)
- Since this is such a magical time for our children…could we maybe wipe the flour off of our hands and actually go enjoy our children and their excitement?
- When we are in a store and standing in an unavoidable line…how about we make a focused effort to be cheerful and smile at those around us. It might just make someone else smile back at you. (And I really bet the employees would welcome your kindness.)
- Can we let go a little of the pressure of finding the “perfect gift” for each person on our list? Isn’t love more important?
- This is a perfect time to overdo…get run down…eat too much sugar…and get sick. Focus on drinking enough water, eating fruits and veggies and getting enough sleep.
- Take a look at your “to do list”. If it doesn’t really need to be done, scratch it off. Guilt free. Don’t even look back.
- Spend time in prayer. Be quiet. Sit. Listen. Let God and the joy that comes from knowing Him fill you with peace.
Now, take a deep breath…smile and relax. It IS a most wonderful season. One that is to be enjoyed.
Enjoy it!
—————————————–
Visit Keeper of the Home today for more post on living simply.
Does that mean if my house isn’t spit-spot clean, you’ll still spend the night when you come through?? :-)
(I know the answer to that… I’m in the process of scratching things off my To Do list, especially with three sick kids to care for – you’ll just have to be glad about the clean sheets, cause that’s all I can guarantee right now!) :-)
Thanks for the great reminders…
Thank you so much for this Laura, you are so right. I think often times writing things like this helps us to reaffirm to ourselves that we are focusing on the right things instead of all the things that bring craziness. Good for you and thanks for the inspiration
I really needed that today! Pregnancy hormones, nesting, our tiny apartment crammed with new baby things and Christmas decorations, and everyone’s Christmas plans and expectations all are combining to make me feel like I am going to loose my mind! I have so much to be thankful for–this baby wiggling inside me for one–and I’ve really got a great excuse for not doing “the perfect Christmas.” I do need to take time to sit down and spend time with God. It helps me put everything in perspective again. Thank you, Sister!
Well, in the defense of the people your husband saw, I tend to find it difficult to stay cheerful in Walmart ANY time of the year :) But yes, I know what you mean.
As far as the gift buying, I take a 2 pronged approach, first, I’ve pared down the list of WHO we give gifts to. We make cookies or something for the neighbors, but beyond that, we keep it to family, and then focus our buying (and money) on charity. Second, I do my shopping all year, so that I don’t have to do much shopping in Dec when the stores are insane. (online shopping is a wonderful thing too).
Great post. Thanks for the reminders. :)
Thank you for sharing this! It is so easy to get wrapped up in the busyness of the season and forget what CHRISTmas is all about – CHRIST! :D
You totally made me laugh out loud! I can just picture the situation and the complete irony of it, and it’s all the funnier because I know that I’ve been in that situation at least once in the past week, and it’s true- everyone looks just downright miserable!
Thanks for the great suggestions. Personally, I’m bad at slowing down enough to make sure that my basic needs are met (I almost always get a cold this time of year), and feeling guilty over my wayyy too long to-do list. I’m slowly learning to put less on myself, keep it more simple and remember to rest and enjoy the season.
I’m so glad you joined in this Saturday! :)