Whelp. It’s officially Thanksgiving week, so it’s basically Christmas.
Salvation Army bells are ringing. Homes are transforming into gingerbread houses. And holiday decor hit the shelves before our kids could even say “Trick or treat!”
As I ran a few errands yesterday, I felt a ping of anxiety — actually more like a POW!WHAM!BOOM! — possibly triggered by the plethora of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer nicknacks in Target’s Dollar Spot. I’m certain they were taunting me…
“You’re not ready! You’re never gonna be ready! Nana Nana Boo Boo!”
OMG. The abominable snow monster and Hermey-the-wannabe-dentist had me pegged! Don’t get me wrong, my heart is one hundred percent ready for Christmas. I LOVE Christmas. The problem is my stupid holly jolly head — always overcrowded with obnoxious holiday to-do lists and way too many self-inflicted expectations.
Every Christmas, especially since having children, I want to do it all, see it all, smell it all, bake it all, celebrate it all… and remain joyful through it all. No pressure, right? I mean, I haven’t even stuffed my face with Turkey Day stuffing, yet here I am, already stressing about the most wonderful time of the year. Jeeez.
Maybe you can relate. Or maybe you think I’m two turtle doves shy of a cuckoo’s nest. Either way, allow me to share something with whomever might need it like I do — the wise sentiments of author, Shauna Niequist.
“My desire for beautiful, sparkly Christmas moments was edging out my ability to live well in my own actual life. I want things to be spectacular, epic, over the top, exciting and dramatic. But in order to force that beauty and drama into otherwise ordinary moments, you have to push and tap dance and hustle, hustle, hustle. I was faced with a dilemma — one so many of us face quite often: I could either wrestle my life and my kids and my house and our Christmas into something fantastic, something perfect… or I could plunk myself down right in the middle of the mess and realize that the mess is actually my life, the only one I’ll ever get, the one I’m in danger of missing completely, waiting around for fantastic.”
YES!!!
Forget my two front teeth or a hippopotamus….. all I want for Christmas is a slower pace, joy where it matters, presence amidst the presents, and a gentle reminder that we’ve been invited to the greatest birthday party ever. All we have to do is show up.
Happy holiday season, my friends.
As for you, Rudolph… eat my road grit, liver lips!