Christmas! Yes, I am counting down. Yesterday, though, someone asked me, "
Why are counting down the days until Christmas already?" It was asked not
entirely in a rude way, but asked in an almost accusatory tone, as if I had violated some terms of service of which I was unaware. Instead of being taken aback by the delivery of the question, it actually got me to thinking clearly about why I like to count down, not just to Christmas, but the entire holiday season.
I have learned that if I want to fully enjoy the season (from Thanksgiving all the way through Christmas) I have to be organized ahead of time. I love everything about Thanksgiving and Christmas -
except the stress and busyness. My solution is to do as much as possible before the season begins. I want my decorating done early and most, if not all, of my shopping done and wrapped early. I like menus planned and parties scheduled.
Doing much of the prep. ahead of time, frees me to enjoy the best part of the season...the people and the celebration of Jesus' birth.
I want to be free to share special times with my family... baking, doing crafts, watching Christmas movies or reading Christmas stories... without feeling a to-do list a mile long weighing on my shoulders. Taking care of the holiday stresses
BEFORE the holiday arrives, frees us to have friends over, go to parties, attend Christmas concerts or just head out simply to drive around and enjoy the sights of the season. All the preplanning and organizing actually allows us to be spontaneous during the holidays because there is no pressure to get this or that done. We are free to savor the fleeting moments of this special time. I don't want my children's memories of the holiday season to revolve around a cranky Mom who seems frazzled and stressed out and ready to get Christmas over and done with.
So, it may seem bizarre to some that I start thinking and planning so far in advance, but it makes our Christmas less stressful and we make more memories with our friends and family.