What’s going on at your house for the weekend? At ours, we’re going with festivity, and also squeezing in some of the stuff – that detail stuff of life that cannot be avoided. Visits to Santa, family gatherings, a birthday party and more, are all on the list for the next 48 hours or so. Also, laundry, cleaning dirty bathrooms, addressing Christmas cards and more.
I’ve been reminded in a very real way this year that the stuff, the productivity, doesn’t matter. There are bigger things going on.
We’ve seen a friend do the impossible, and recover from what very easily could have been a deadly accident. We’re witnessing two courageous battles against cancer right now. We’ve seen babies born and children grow. We’ve seen a life, well and beautifully lived, end gracefully.
Why, then, do I still get caught up in the stuff? For example…
Due to a lot of circumstances out of our control, Christmas in our household is a lengthy affair. I’m not talking solely about the season; I’m talking about the actual eating/drinking/present-opening celebrations. This year the hoopla is starting on December 20 and going through December 26.
I want to think: What a blessing that we have so many days, so many opportunities to celebrate!
What I find myself thinking is: By the time this is all over, I’m going to want to flip Christmas the bird and never look back.
I know in my heart of hearts that I want to look back on this season – on every season, for that matter – as a time of living joyously, no matter what our circumstances. But it’s a battle for me.
I woke up this morning feeling panicky about all I have to do. All that stuff. And then feeling like a schmuck and a hypocrite because I’m talking the talk, but not walking the walk.
Some of the stuff driving me nuts:
For the first time in, well, possibly forever, I am not finished with my Christmas shopping. There is no explanation for this. (I believe I had a false sense of organization and well-being because I started my present-buying early. And then – apparently – I stopped shopping. Now I’m left with a few presents still to buy, and they’re all the hard ones.) Whatever the cause, the effect is that I’m feeling anxious.
We all know I got just a bit wrapped up in The Great Christmas Tree Debacle of 2010.
I’ve been doing some whining about how I don’t have enough time. In fact, I got irritated this morning that just because my husband’s job actually earns money (details), he gets to go off in peace and quiet to do his work. I have to do mine at the kitchen table, surrounded by short, demanding, slightly demented people.
I’m also afraid you’re all going to stop reading if I don’t stop whining.
So.
I wonder…
:: Do you get caught up in the day-to-day, especially in this busy holiday season?
:: What are your tips and tricks for staying focused on what’s real and what’s important?
Lapsed homemaker. Looking to hire a full-time housekeeper who will work for the sheer joy of a job well done and free coffee. Interested parties, DM please. 
You’ve done a great job of describing how so many of us seem to be feeling this holiday season. On the one hand, there’s joy and wonder (friend) and togetherness. On the other, there’s all of the steps we have to take to make those things happen (on top of all of the other “must do’s” that don’t stop just because it’s December).
I wish I had the solution. Maybe saying no to some holiday activities? But then there’s the chance that you’ll miss out on some fun that would make the extra hassle worthwhile. Sigh…clearly I don’t have the answer!
Oh, you have no idea how much I am RIGHT THERE with you. There are so many *things* and so little time, but what really matters?
It’s a rough, rowdy, crazy and fun season. Enjoy it. It’ll be over and back again before you know it!
I’m totally with you on this one as well! Thankfully (?), my entire family lives states away, so we’re not having to do many celebrations over several days, but next year when it’s our first turn to spend Christmas out there, it should be…interesting.
My best advice? Try to remind yourself that this too shall pass? Other than that, I’ve got nothing.
I don’t qualify to comment. I’m not a mom. I don’t have “short, demanding and slightly demented” people – I have a cat. You have so much on your plate. All moms do. My tree has all it’s lights, and most of it’s ornaments (finally figured how high said cat can reach).
I do know this. I smiled the whole time through the reading. Smiles are valuable. So thank you.
Merry, “I know you’ll make it through without flipping off the holidays” Christmas.
I hear you, loud and clear. I started this season with the idea that I would be SO far ahead of the game with the present-buying and card-sending. And then (like you) apparently I stopped.
I am trying to say no to some things that aren’t important, enjoying the things I love, and letting some things go…like the fact that my Shutterfly cards were just ordered yesterday and may not arrive at my house until Dec 23rd!
Hang in there!
I feel like I panic from the beginning of November until the end of December (or whenever my in-laws decide to have the separate Christmas get togethers).
Is it going to snow? Are we going to get stuck at home instead of getting to my parents’? How is my sister’s mood going to be?
My shopping is done but the panic is a constant. I have a couple more weeks before I’ll sleep decent again.