Today it dawned on me, finally, that Christmas is only three days away. I have purchased nothing. I have baked nothing. I have no cards picked out yet alone addressed. There is no tree. No decorations. Nothing. Nada. Zip.
Am I panicked? No, and I'll tell you why I'm not.
At the end of the day it doesn't matter if I get the nephews and nieces their presents on time, or if I have the perfect homemade cookies or if cards reach family and friends before the 25th. At the end of the day it matters that I show up. That I'm present and engaged and fully with the people I love. The trappings of Christmas don't equal being present.
So, if this year my family gets New Year's or Epiphany gifts instead of Christmas gifts, that's okay. If I bring store bought goodies to parties, that's totally fine. And if I choose to spend my time with the people I love instead of rushing around to find the perfect tree or card or gift, that's just fine.
If you're feeling the crunch this holiday season, I encourage to take a deep breath and to
remember that it's not about the stuff or the decorations or the food. It's about being present. Fully and completely connecting with those who matter most. So let go of the worry that it's not going to be perfect or the stress of getting it all done. You're not a failure if you don't. I repeat, you are not a failure. In fact, if you are present and engaged you are a huge success! People
notice these things and remember them. It's in being present that you truly touch lives.
Here's to a guilt-free holiday season for everyone! Merry Christmas!
I rarely feel the crunch. We'll have last minute cleaning to do. Plus, we still need to visit Santa (which we do the day before Christmas every year) and hit up the grocery store. I shop fairly early. I wrap as soon as I have the gifts ready (with the exclusion of Laura's gifts piling in the closet). It's a fairly easy process in our place. That said, I don't exchange gifts with many so that helps and we don't exchange gifts at all with either sibling set. I'm sure there will be years where it won't go as smoothly so I may as well enjoy it now.
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