It's been a strange December. Most years I am totally stressed about finding ways to make sure that Christmas is special. I want so much to make it magical that it only ends up being burdensome instead. I'm still stressed this December, but not about Christmas. In fact, it's probably the most "
relaxed" holiday season I've had in decades. (Of course I could decide to stress tomorrow...)
I haven't gone shopping, I haven't baked cookies, and the decorations are minimal. I did buy a book for each of my ten grandchildren, and yes, I am counting Number 10, who has yet to make his official arrival. I bought a few shirts and sweaters for myself because I know
1. I like them, 2. I need them, and
3. I want them, and therefore have wasted no money on their purchase. It may sound selfish but it isn't feeling that way, at least not today.
I have been asked several times what I "
want" for Christmas. I was asked again today and my answer was "
nothing, I want absolutely nothing," and the truth is, if there is something I want, I couldn't tell you what it is. I might, perhaps, have that information on a shelf in the back of my mind, or maybe in an obsolete brain drawer, but for the moment that little bit of information is lost. No sweat, I'm set.
I do have plans to bake cookies with my sister and youngest daughter on Friday. Hannah doesn't get out much, so I invited her along. And on Saturday morning I will bake one of my frozen apple pies and deliver it to my sweet brother at the group home where he lives. Somewhere in the mix there is a plan to decorate graham cracker houses with the grandkids, but I'm not entirely sure whether that will be on Christmas Day or New Years. If we wait we can get everybody in on the fun.
On Saturday evening I hope to attend a Christmas Eve service at the church where my number four son is one of the worship leaders., and on Christmas morning go to our own church. That is my plan and I rather like it.
I haven't gone shopping, I haven't baked cookies, and the decorations are minimal. I did buy a book for each of my ten grandchildren, and yes, I am counting Number 10, who has yet to make his official arrival. I bought a few shirts and sweaters for myself because I know 1. I like them, 2. I need them, and 3. I want them, and therefore have wasted no money on their purchase. It may sound selfish but it isn't feeling that way, at least not today.
I have been asked several times what I "want" for Christmas. I was asked again today and my answer was "nothing, I want absolutely nothing," and the truth is, if there is something I want, I couldn't tell you what it is. I might, perhaps, have that information on a shelf in the back of my mind, or maybe in an obsolete brain drawer, but for the moment that little bit of information is lost. No sweat, I'm set.
I do have plans to bake cookies with my sister and youngest daughter on Friday. Hannah doesn't get out much, so I invited her along. And on Saturday morning I will bake one of my frozen apple pies and deliver it to my sweet brother at the group home where he lives. Somewhere in the mix there is a plan to decorate graham cracker houses with the grandkids, but I'm not entirely sure whether that will be on Christmas Day or New Years. If we wait we can get everybody in on the fun.
Your pictures show what is really important at this special time of year (well actually what's important everyday) all the rest is what we are led to believe is important. Enjoy your family and Merry Christmas to you, Martha.
ReplyDeleteI really am looking forward to having my family all in one place for another brief moment in time. I plan to enjoy every minute.
DeleteMerry Christmas to you and yours, Tom!
:0)
I did not decorate as much this year or stress as much over the holiday. I know that my kids and husband will love me no matter what.
ReplyDeleteWell, they better! ha ha!
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I seem to be in the no-stress club about Christmas this year, too. My side of the family will all be here, but not until next Wednesday, so hey, there's plenty of time to get ready, right?! Then we'll have our immediate family "Christmas" on New Year's. At least I've started cleaning house, but definitely have some shopping to do next week!
ReplyDelete