We don't need a news bulliten here... it's Christmas time! I am proud to say that I think I finally "get it". I am thankful that my eyes are open and I see what this most blessed miracle of Christmas is all about.
God. Patience. Peace. Warmth. Love. Diligence. Happiness. Pleasure in the small things. Family. Good friends. Time spent (NOT money!). It's much more simple than most people think, I believe.
This year, I decided to make this a more simple, homespun Christmas. I have slumped over my sewing machine for hours on end, braided beautiful clearance-priced yarn until my hands are cramping, baked until I cannot stand the smell of sweets (O.K., that may be stretching the truth a little), melted old records, foraged the fabric department at Hobby Lobby, rummaged through buttons, cut up old dress shirts, painted to my heart's delight, and racked my brain (and Pinterest) until I could almost barf from all the lovely ideas I'd love to make for the people (and even the animals) I love and respect. In this crazy process of "pinning" I have made some of the most awesome gifts for people I hold most dear. My Sassy girl even got in on the action! What person doesn't love a handmade gift from a small child? We've made handprint Christmas trees, glow-in-the dark slime (ha!), snowglobes, salt dough ornaments... she is quite the little artist! I believe she has learned more from crafting at home with Mama than she would have being dragged through countless stores buying, buying, buying. This saved me some stress, too - a 3 year old doesn't tend to enjoy browsing the aisles for the perfect gift. She thinks everyone should have Tinkerbell Color Wonder paper! And the time spent with my favorite little girl? Priceless! So, the gift part of my mission is *almost* accomplished... and that's O.K. I still have two days to finish "the list" and that's plenty of time!
I realize this doesn't sound too simple to many people. I know it's easier for some to buy online and at stores. I did a little bit of that myself. But see, I am blessed with time at home and the ability to prioritze on my hands, so that helps and I use my time as wisely as I can. Sure, I have laundry going, a curious/whining/excited child pounding me with questions and demands, three pets begging for scraps, attention, and potty time, a disaster area of a kitchen and living room begging to be cleaned, dust piling up, and meals cooking while I work. But when I get an idea in my head it just has to be done and I'm not happy until it is complete (although with Motherhood I've learned to scratch the less important tasks if I get stressed). If it's truly important to me, it gets done eventually. Thank you, Mom, for teaching me the art of multi-tasking. Thank you, Coke Zero, for the hours of extra energy you've provided me to do so.
I did well by the people I love this year if I do say so myself. My husband and I will not exchange - we haven't, really, since our little one was born. I don't need much. Just having him here, as well as his trust, his patience, and his support in my crazy ideas and ramblings is enough for me. His love and our marriage is a gift in itself and I recognize that nothing else matters. My Mom beamed with pride when I told her a few days ago, "I am a wife and Mother first, everything else second.". For those who don't know it, my hubby sells cars. He beats the pavement every day to support our family and does it with honesty, patience, and pride (yes, there are good people out there selling cars, folks!). What a gem he is and I am thankful every day! We're just content buying and making old things new again for our daughter. This year, she will get some of the toys she asked for, some she did not, and even an old school desk we found and will "pretty up" to her liking when we re-do her room this winter. We both feel fortunate that we can do that, as we're very aware that some parents cannot.
I enjoy focusing on gifts from the heart for the people who have helped us through this sometimes rough period of "new marriage". It brings me much pleasure to finish a project for one of those people. I don't much care if said project takes me three hours (or an entire day!) to complete. I remind myself often of this: how many hours has this person spent thinking about/ supporting/ counseling us? That very thought makes it simple for me to spend an entire day focusing on something I believe will make him/her happy and let them know I appreciate him/her.
There is no better feeling than having someone say, "You made this for ME? I love it!".
That all being said, I must sew! Whether your Christmas is simple, homespun, sparkly, or expensive, I hope it's a joyous one. But please, for me, take a moment to stop and take a look around at some point in this season. Be thankful for what you have in the people you love. If you and your loved ones are healthy, thank God. If they or you are not please be thankful you have yet another day with them. Remember to show kindness to everyone you meet (even the ones who drive you close to the brink of craziness!). Be patient with your over-excited and over-stimulated children. Take a breather if you need one, and do not feel the least bit guilty for doing so. Do a good deed for someone in need. Go out of your way for someone you love and/or respect, and that doesn't mean buying the most expensive gift you can find. Scrape the frost off your neighbor's windows, buy the person in the drive-thru line behind you a meal, send a soldier a thank you note, smile at and thank that frazzled woman checking out your groceries, turn off the TV and take some time to tell your children about what Christmas was like when you were little. Just be nice! In the end, you've made someone smile and in these times, that is the best gift for him/her AND you!
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
Love,
Dani
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