I’ve seen a lot of articles, memes and posts about simplifying Christmas so one does not go crazy during this festive and sacred holiday. “Slow down,” they say. “You don’t need to buy gifts, send cards, or attend another concert” is the indication. I DISAGREE! There, I said it out loud. Now I’ll tell you why.
I like going crazy with Christmas! I start making gifts in about November because I have no other time to do so. I allow myself to take time to be creative when ordinarily I nag at myself to work, de-clutter, plan lessons, complete the tax return, write stories and plays, go help, volunteer, fix the roof, weed the garden, meet with the committee, make delicious dinners (this is because I like tasty food not just because of my husband, ok?), read something important, learn something new for the good of society, and put something good into society. Oh, yeah, and get some sleep and be calm. Yeah, right.
I’m not calm in my ordinary, daily life. Why should that stop just because Christmas time is here? Besides, holiday time allows me to TAKE JOY in the entire month of frantic-ness. I’m going to buy presents for family! I’m going to attend concerts and plays! I’m going to watch as many Christmas Carol movies as possible! I’ll listen to the audiobook version of The Christmas Carol while I’m creating or cooking! I’m going to make things and cook things and decorate things! We’ve already donated two toys to our local fire department for their collection. Almost always, we throw in change to the red kettle that the Salvation Army has outside of stores. I might also: go to a friend’s workshop at a gallery tonight, go to a concert afterwards, attend two plays tomorrow, hang out at a party for some friends next week, to mention a few. If I have the energy for all or some of that.
Several years back, I was at a Chamber Business Women’s meeting and it was about not stressing—and it wasn’t even about Christmas. But I asked, “How? I can’t quit work. There are other things I must do. And stressful events come along frequently that I can’t plan for. What do you do?” We decided the answer is It’s in your attitude. It’s how you approach work, tasks and events.
Alrighty then, for the holiday season, I’m going to TAKE JOY in whatever I have to do and whatever I choose to do. My house won’t be as clean…until 30 minutes before someone comes over. If someone drops by unannounced, I’ll say, “Sorry for the mess. I’m making [can’t reveal] for [someone who might read this, so I still can’t say].” My friends will understand. My lesson plans for next term (I teach groups of homeschoolers) will be general outlines, with the first two weeks solidly planned. And I won’t be fixing the roof in December.
Thus it comes down to: Shower, Sleep, Eat, Work, AND EVERYTHING CHRISTMAS!! Oh, and prep for my daughter’s wedding on Dec. 28. 😉
I like going crazy with Christmas! I start making gifts in about November because I have no other time to do so. I allow myself to take time to be creative when ordinarily I nag at myself to work, de-clutter, plan lessons, complete the tax return, write stories and plays, go help, volunteer, fix the roof, weed the garden, meet with the committee, make delicious dinners (this is because I like tasty food not just because of my husband, ok?), read something important, learn something new for the good of society, and put something good into society. Oh, yeah, and get some sleep and be calm. Yeah, right.
I’m not calm in my ordinary, daily life. Why should that stop just because Christmas time is here? Besides, holiday time allows me to TAKE JOY in the entire month of frantic-ness. I’m going to buy presents for family! I’m going to attend concerts and plays! I’m going to watch as many Christmas Carol movies as possible! I’ll listen to the audiobook version of The Christmas Carol while I’m creating or cooking! I’m going to make things and cook things and decorate things! We’ve already donated two toys to our local fire department for their collection. Almost always, we throw in change to the red kettle that the Salvation Army has outside of stores. I might also: go to a friend’s workshop at a gallery tonight, go to a concert afterwards, attend two plays tomorrow, hang out at a party for some friends next week, to mention a few. If I have the energy for all or some of that.
Several years back, I was at a Chamber Business Women’s meeting and it was about not stressing—and it wasn’t even about Christmas. But I asked, “How? I can’t quit work. There are other things I must do. And stressful events come along frequently that I can’t plan for. What do you do?” We decided the answer is It’s in your attitude. It’s how you approach work, tasks and events.
Alrighty then, for the holiday season, I’m going to TAKE JOY in whatever I have to do and whatever I choose to do. My house won’t be as clean…until 30 minutes before someone comes over. If someone drops by unannounced, I’ll say, “Sorry for the mess. I’m making [can’t reveal] for [someone who might read this, so I still can’t say].” My friends will understand. My lesson plans for next term (I teach groups of homeschoolers) will be general outlines, with the first two weeks solidly planned. And I won’t be fixing the roof in December.
Thus it comes down to: Shower, Sleep, Eat, Work, AND EVERYTHING CHRISTMAS!! Oh, and prep for my daughter’s wedding on Dec. 28. 😉
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