We only have 9 more days until Christmas. Can you believe it? For me, it feels like Thanksgiving was just yesterday (maybe it’s because I still have a few real pumpkins lingering around my house that need to be thrown away. Yuck!).
Our Christmas season is in full swing. Unlike the last few years, my family and I managed to put up our Christmas trees and outdoor decorations right after Thanksgiving. My husband, Chris, and I have purchased all of our Christmas presents and bought the supplies for our Christmas meal. In addition, we have already attended three Christmas events and given out/received several Christmas gifts and cards. After finishing a few homemade Christmas presents, mailing a few items, and verifying our out-of-town families’ visiting schedule, we will have everything ready for Christmas day.
You would think that I would be relieved, but I am not. I feel rushed.
The Christmas season should be a time to enjoy family/friend gatherings, beautiful lights, melodic sounds, and holiday scents. Instead, I have been on auto-pilot, partly because I have been dealing with another level of grief and partly because I have been trying to complete my to-do list.
Can anyone relate?
I did have a small reprieve last weekend when I went to a Christmas event in Nashville and to our church’s holiday gift exchange. I sang Christmas carols, laughed profusely, ate amazing food, and enjoyed my friends’ company. It was a marvelous weekend, but it was short lived. By Monday morning, I was back to the hustle and bustle.
I don’t know about you, but I want to savor the season, not just survive it.
This Christmas needs to be more about its meaning and less about busyness and missing my deceased loved ones. I am through with being sad and exhausted.
Since I have most of my holiday preparations done, I am going to take these next 9 days to have some fun.
I am going to travel to Nashville to see Christmas lights with my family, make messy Rice Krispy treats with my children, and play a board game or two with my friends/family. Then, my husband, kids and I will watch Christmas movies and drink hot chocolate. I am going to blast holiday music throughout my house and spend extra time cuddled with my husband in front of our fireplace. In addition, I am going to slow down and reflect on why we are celebrating Christmas in the first place, Christ’s birth.
This year, I will not be stuck in a rut. Christmas joy, here I come!