Think back to when you were a child. Or look into the eyes of your children or grandchildren as they anticipate the arrival of Santa Claus. Do they think they hear reindeer hooves on the rooftop? Do you leave footprints in freshly fallen snow and exclaim in surprise that Santa found the bucket of carrots left at the back door for the reindeer? I remember one Christmas Eve vividly. I was around 6 years old and was having a time trying to fall asleep. I heard someone in my bedroom. My eyes opened a crack and I spotted a big red mitten reaching for my stocking hung on my bedpost. Did my father don a pair of red mittens that evening? Or maybe I had fallen asleep and had a dream that was oh so real. Either way, that memory is one that fills my heart with Christmas magic.
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, we are inundated with messages about all of the things we need to do for an ideal Christmas. There are the perfect and thought-filled presents to buy and wrap, Christmas baking and decorating, and get-togethers with co-workers, family and friends. Movies, magazines and social media tell us what we need to do. “Finding the perfect Christmas tree”. “Decorating the perfect Christmas tree”. “Planning the perfect Christmas party”. “Tips for finding the perfect Christmas gifts”. “Hosting the perfect Christmas dinner”. And even “17 handy apps for planning your perfect Christmas”. Sense a common element of perfection here? Rather than a season of peace and tranquility, we can find ourselves overwhelmed with stress trying to reach this pinnacle of perfection!
As time goes by, I find myself less focused on perfection and more on simplicity. Are babies or furry creatures obsessed with the dangly ornaments on the Christmas tree? I think my tree looks very pretty strung with only white lights. The favourite Christmas ornaments can be hung in doorways – out of reach and out of danger. I no longer spend my time chastising fur babies for climbing inside the tree!
As for Christmas baking – my favourite memory is not of perfectly-baked cookies. It is when my nieces and nephews came over to make cookies and decided to decorate the shortbread cookies with grape crush candy cane bits. Melted purple puddles and crunchy faux grape flavoured bits – oh yum! But I loved the look of pride and accomplishment as they took these cookies home!
The best and most memorable Christmas presents need not expensive. They are the ones that are a gift of yourself, of your time, of your attention. One Christmas, I received a new doll from Santa – so exciting! But what made this present even more special were all of the clothes that came with her: a swing coat, a dress with a matching suit jacket, a pair of casual corduroy pants, a sweater and a skirt. Sound extravagant? It was – but it was also a gift of time. My mother made all of these clothes for the doll.
Do I have the concept of a simple, stress-free Christmas perfected? Hardly! But I do find that I am enjoying the season so much more. My wish for you is one of serenity. Take the time to enjoy experiences with your family and friends – visiting a Christmas tree farm, taking a tour of the Christmas lights, skating or snowshoeing followed by a cup of hot cocoa. Put down that cell phone; log off your laptop. Give the gift of your time to not only others but to you too! My favourite time of day over the Christmas season is in the evening, when the work day is done. I enjoy sitting in the living room with the only light coming from candles and the Christmas tree, and almost always with a fur baby in my lap. The epitome of “all is calm, all is bright”.
I wish you joy, peace and love this holiday season.
Do I have the concept of a simple, stress-free Christmas perfected? Hardly! But I do find that I am enjoying the season so much more. My wish for you is one of serenity. Take the time to enjoy experiences with your family and friends – visiting a Christmas tree farm, taking a tour of the Christmas lights, skating or snowshoeing followed by a cup of hot cocoa. Put down that cell phone; log off your laptop. Give the gift of your time to not only others but to you too! My favourite time of day over the Christmas season is in the evening, when the work day is done. I enjoy sitting in the living room with the only light coming from candles and the Christmas tree, and almost always with a fur baby in my lap. The epitome of “all is calm, all is bright”.
I wish you joy, peace and love this holiday season.
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