Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, totally worn out and screaming,
"WOO HOO, what a ride!"

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

So, I was just wondering…

woman wondering

Well, it’s that time of year again. Christmas is almost here and my shopping is not done, my house is a mess and for yet another year there won’t be any cards sent out. We’ve cut way back on out gift exchanges and social obligations so that’s less stressful. My kids have outgrown their concerts and I don’t have work parties anymore so those are a few less things to venture out for. But we still enjoy the company of our friends and family and have learned to get together when it’s more relaxed and easier for everyone. My brothers stay home with their own children Christmas morning instead of making the two hour drive to get here the 24th and then rushing back home again that evening. My oldest son had his 21st birthday yesterday and he spent the evening with his friends and we will celebrate with the family next week.

Although my hubby will deny it, I’ve learned to let go of a lot of the things that I felt like I had to do in the past. I don’t have to have every single thing done the way I used to. It’s OK to let things go and relax. It’s OK to celebrate in any way we see fit and whenever we see fit. We don’t have to do it all and we can’t afford to anyway. That doesn’t mean there isn’t still stress but it’s not overwhelming and it’s much easier. I feel like we have our priorities in order.

This week, I called my 90 year-old grandmother who lives with my 87 year-old great-aunt and asked them if they would like to go for a drive to look at the Christmas lights. They stopped driving two years ago and rarely get out, especially in the winter and never after dark. They haven’t seen many decorations in the last few years. I helped them bundle up and off we went for a leisurely drive around our community. We picked up my mom along the way and three generations of women from our family chatted, listened to Christmas music and oohed and ahhed at all the pretty lights and the fresh snow.  They told us stories about the old homes, who used to live where and what our small town was like when they were young. When we had enough I took them home and ordered them a pizza to be delivered as a special treat for dinner. It was a very special evening and I’m so glad we did it. Although they thanked me for taking them I was the one rewarded by their company. It didn’t cost a penny but it was priceless and I will treasure it always.

This week, I wish you less stress and more happiness. I hope you find ways to celebrate every day in the ways that are the most meaningful to you. I wish you joy, love and peace. And I hope you find things to smile about every single day.

So, I was just wondering…what special plans do you have and how will you celebrate?

Merry Christmas!

13 comments:

  1. I've been experiencing a lot of the same things as you this year. I've let go of things, maybe not entirely by choice, but it hasn't been so bad. I've been taking the boys around to see the lights and although we just got the tree and the outside lights up yesterday, my younger son said to me last night, "This is the best Christmas ever!" We've been spending time watching Christmas movies and reading books. It's very nice actually!

    Thanks for sharing with us and I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

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  2. That night spent with your Mom, Grandma and Aunt will stay with you for the rest of your life. When we lived up north we used to have a big family party in mid January. The holiday stress was over and the winter was starting to get to every one. So we named it the January blahs party. It went over so well the first year, it became a tradition we all looked forward to.

    I wish you every happiness with your beautiful family this Christmas. They are the most important aspects of your life, not getting things "done" or worrying about the house. Just enjoy!

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  3. Sounds like you had a great night with the family. Its the little things that seem to matter.

    I was late getting out my cards this year only because I was sick. My xmas shopping too was late but its done now.

    Unfortunetly we have my in laws coming xmas eve for dinner as we always host the family xmas eve dinner. Then Xmas day we go to my in laws for dinner and usually boxing day (26th) I spend it with a friend but this year it will be the 27th on the 26th we will spend the afternoon at my sisters house.

    I think we really need to tone down the festivities its too much and too streesful.

    Happy holidays to you and your family.

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  4. What a sweet gesture to take your grandmother and aunt out to see the lights. Happy Holidays!

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  5. How much fun! I LOVE looking at lights.
    We will go to my BIL and then go look at lights on our way home Christmas eve.
    Once we get home, we will open presents (yes on christmas eve) and then we sleep in on Christmas day.
    We have a great relaxing day with a fabulous meal of homemade ravioli!
    Have a very blessed and special day with your family!

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  6. The drive with the other ladies in your family sounds fabulous! I can't think of a better way to celebrate. We're hoping our son will make it home today. We'll have a nice, relaxed holiday with just the three of us. Merry Christmas!

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  7. What a beautiful thing to do. Bravo! Now that is the spirit of Christmas. Merry Christmas. Thanks for sharing.

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  8. This is our first Christmas married, and my husband's first Christmas not with his family. We have to stay home due to work, so we're getting together with friends, my parents and two of my siblings. I'm really looking forward to it and it's cut back on the stress of having to cook for everyone since everyone is bringing something different. I think we may have to make this a new tradition!

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  9. What a wonderful memory you made! My family does something similar each year...it's a tradition to drive around and look at all the Christmas lights. Sad to say, this year, there haven't been nearly as many as people feel the pinch on their wallets, but those that are there, are a wonder to behold. Even our own time has dwindled this year....but after leaving job no.2 the other night, I MADE time to drive Mom through down town to see the lights and the big tree....the child-like excitement that erupts from these trips was well worth any time lost on other essential (yet NON-essentials at the time) things.

    Happy holidays to you and yours!

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  10. Good for you for just letting things be as they will and not getting stressed out because things aren't perfect! That's about where I am at right now. Thanks for stopping by my blog!

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  11. We're pretty casual about Christmas. We celebrated with my family this last Sunday, and we'll go to Hamburger's family's house tomorrow. Christmas Day we're going to stay home and make pizza. :-D

    Enjoy your holidays!!

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  12. What a wonderful thing, I love to look at the holiday lights, it is a nice relaxing way to enjoy Christmas. Christmas should not be frantic and stressful. I hope you have a nice peaceful holiday!

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  13. What a perfect way to spend the evening with the women of your family.

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