I know I said several weeks ago that I’m ready emotionally for Christmas for the first time in a long time. I think I still am, but I’m noticing something different this year. As opposed to last year when I mapped out 2 whole weeks of activities for the family, this year I haven’t mapped out a thing. We made sugar cookies because Ainsley wanted to do something special. I made peppermint bark and cinnamon-sugar nuts spur of the moment because I wanted to and they’re easy and they make nice presents, but they weren’t somewhere on a list. We did the gingerbread house (at the end of November!) because the girls begged to do it.
I can’t explain my actions. It’s nothing like the old me. Something happened this past fall where suddenly the things on my list didn’t drive me anymore. I still make a list… more to remind me what needs done as opposed to keep a running tab of the things I’m doing or have to be doing. I don’t feel like I’m explaining it very well… and I don’t quite know how to clear it up. In language it becomes semantics, but in ideology it’s a big difference.
I think it spilled over into the holidays. I’m still enjoying the season… I love looking at our tree lit up at night, the garland on the stairs. I’m playing Christmas music during the day and shopping (a lot of thirty-one products and online shopping this year) and wrapping presents on time. But there’s no drive to do everything possible to fill our days with the season.
This is one aspect of the old me I don’t miss. I don’t miss pressuring myself to do all the projects on my list before the week is over. Maybe because I’m still getting things done without all the stress. Either way, this Christmas season has been quieter… less activity filled, but with enough to make it feel festive.
Oh and one of things to go was the Christmas card. I think I’m going on our third year without one. So Merry Christmas everyone!
(c) 2016 Leighann Marquiss
Comments (4)
🙂 this is awesome! I just read a really cool book if you wanted to read it’s called “The Pressure’s Off” by Larry Crabb. It’s sooooo good.. basically about letting go of the old way and living in the new way like Spirit led and stuff. I used to be like that making lists all the time needing to have it done etc but I’ve come to realized that things just don’t go our way sometimes. so live in the moment, enjoy one another yet have some stuff done but more of a “Mary” spirit 🙂 have a very Merry CHRISTmas!!! 🙂
I am in this same place…I always have huge plans to “celebrate the season” but this year we have just gone day to day and done what we feel like doing. It is refreshing and yes, ending each day in front of the tree watching wheel of fortune or some other game show with my kids has made for endless memories.
I wish this Christmas season was quiet for me. No such luck! I hope to rest after Christmas is done!
Oh honey…that’s so good! I think Jesus gave you “peace and contentment” this Christmas! Enjoy it all with your precious family!
Love, Linda