Well, here in the US, Thanksgiving is a memory and we're rushing toward Christmas. It's that time of year when we try too hard to cram too much into too little time. While I love the parties and sharing good wishes with friends and family, I can't help but wish we could all slow down and savor each experience instead of dashing off to the next one. Unfortunately, the only way to do that is to whittle down our "to do" list.
One item on my list is addressing Christmas cards. This should be pure joy. It is, after all, wishing peace and happiness to the people about whom I care the most. For some of them, it is the only contact I have from year to year. They are former neighbors, distant relatives, old friends - people who at one time I probably saw on an almost daily basis, but our lives have taken different paths and the relationships have faded. That doesn't lessen their importance. I firmly believe we're all a composite of the people and ideas we've been exposed to over the course of our lives. A note in a card at holiday time is a small way of keeping the connection alive - definitely not an item to take off the list.
Then there's shopping. I'm not a "shop 'til you drop" person, but there's no way to eliminate at least a trip or two to the shops this time of year. I know, checks are an option and are appreciated, but I still like to have a little something extra for my favorite people to unwrap. (I admit this is probably more for my pleasure than theirs.)
Cooking - I'm not a great cook, but I do love to bake and cookies are one thing I'm not about to give up.
Decorating - Who can resist decking the halls! Besides, green is my favorite color.
Housecleaning - (the less said about this the better.) Still, even I want my house to sparkle to show off those decked halls.
Parties - Another item I'm not prepared to scratch off the list.
So, as much as I say I want the world to slow down and savor the season, I have to admit I'm the one who makes my life so busy. There's no mysterious "they" to blame. The solution? Just relax and enjoy the bustle.
How about you? What are your holidays like?
5 comments:
I'm worn out already! I'm barely over Thanksgiving.
Jane
We don't do Thanksgiving in Aus of course but it's the end of our academic year so lots of high school graduation balls and school functions plus work Christmas parties etc. I have a couple of Tennis Club parties, a housewarming/Christmas drinks, a book group breakfast and a trip to Egypt on Dec 21st. We're basically missing Christmas this year!
I must admit I've drastically slashed my Christmas card list to less than 10 :) over the years.
Jane, I suggest you put your feet and take a break. That's what I'm doing this week. Next week - well, we'll see.
Lis, thanks for sharing a bit of your life in Aus. It sounds even more hectic than here.
Thanks for commenting, ladies.
I love Christmas and always start very early to avoid it being hectic. Also, I take days off before Christmas, not after, if I can, so that I can prepare at leasure. That helps a lot! It's easier here in Germany, as we don't celebrate Thanksgiving, either.
The most stressful part of my life is my day job right now . . . and that's a lot more difficult to handle! I have just decided to decline any further meetings this year, to get my work done!
You're wise to start early so you can actually enjoy the preparations, Beate. Hope your day job gets better.
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