You can already feel it, can’t you? I am referring to the HOLIDAY SEASON . It starts on or even before Halloween and lasts until mid-January when you are still exchanging or returning those gifts. You know, the ones…which did not fit or were just the wrong color or the ones that scream “what were you thinking”?
The hustle and bustle feeling of the season is palpable and it seems like it started earlier than usual, but I think that every year. I already feel that I am behind in making my Thanksgiving preparations and am not sure just how many leaves I will need in the table. Of course, that is followed by which table linens to use, how many place settings and, of course, what size turkey to procure. I need a head count soon!
Oh, yes, while all of the turkey day plans are being set, I also will be filling in the boxes on the calendar. During this time of the year, I have the magnetic date calendar on the front of the refrigerator. There are far too many important events to log so I must have it close by in order to keep up to date. Let’s see….there are the obvious dates: turkey day, gift shopping days (including cyber Monday), the flotilla, the church Christmas tea, the yacht club ball, the yacht club thieving party, church Christmas services and activities, and the yacht club New Year Eve’s party. In addition, I must allow room for the joyous luncheons and holiday dinner parties that accompany the season with friends and neighbors. And, oh yes, I shan’t forget the dates for decorating, baking, cooking, card making and gift wrapping… Phew!
“Stop,” I say to myself. If all of these events cause so much anxiety, why do them? Tradition? Family obligations? What will people think if I don’t? NO, not really. I do them because I love this season and all that it brings with it. I simply need to remember to “just breathe!” AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, REMEMBER THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS……AMEN!
