This year it seems as though Christmas has pitched itself at us. Where has the year gone? What has it all been for? We are getting ever closer to the end of yet another season in life and soon will embark on 2010. Somewhere in the middle of a year of memories and the mystery of passing time, lies Christmas in all its glory. Whether it is a time that you marvel in or a time that masters you, it can not be ignored.
Christmas has ALWAYS as far back as I can possibly remember been my very favorite time of year. The bright, colored lights transform houses into gingerbread homes. Fresh trees scent the room of pine and the twinkle lights dance on your favorite ornaments on the tree. It is amazing how a little white bulb could make the clear glass Nutcracker ornament seem to take on a life of its own. The house smells of sweets and giving is in the air. The cold weather makes sitting beneath a blanket near the tree all the more inviting.
Somehow this year finding these little joys have been a bit more tough. Could it be the new job I have, which is far more challenging, that has made time escape like a rug being pulled beneath my feet? Whether it is this or the simple fact that "life" has gotten in the way this year, Christmas just doesn't seem quite the same.
I think at some point we find ourselves in a terrible tornado of everyday demands, desire to fulfill expectations, wants for things unneccesary, and feeling stuck in between. If we want to believe it or not, the fact reminds we will always "try to keep up with the Jones". Do you find yourself saying "Oh not me!"? Don't be fooled my friend. We all do it. We see something shiny and bright and new and make the decision that life simply will not go on without this thing. We forget in the whirlwind on making our Christmas lists and fulfilling those of our loved ones that the "presents" part of Christmas is just that...a part. The majority of Christmas is about the beautiful fun experiences, memories that are made, and traditions that are started and continued.
A friend told me of the tradition in her family of getting the women together to make all sorts of candies at Christmas. They perfect the recipes each year and I'm sure their husbands enjoy it as well. Traditions are one of my very favorite parts...Coming from a very small family, we only have a hand full of traditions. One Christmas Eve, my mom, dad and I have always rode around and looked at Christmas lights. Then we come home to have snacks and watch Home Alone. This might not be a traditional Christmas movie but Daddy laughs like it is the first time he has seen the movie every time.
As I think about all of these special things about the season, I feel more in the spirit right now. I guess it is something we have always known...Christmas is a feeling.
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