Ah, December, that magical time of year when everything is merry and bright. And I spend the month eating my weight in Christmas cookies!
Okay, I’m exaggerating. But we just finished Halloween and before I completely digested Thanksgiving dinner someone started playing Christmas music and spreading holiday decorations everywhere.
Before I know it, the excitement of Christmas morning will be upon us. But wait!
First, we have to deal with the mischievous Elf on the Shelf. Designed to inspire good behavior in children, the Elf inspires parents to hop out of bed in a cold sweat at 3 am because they forgot to move him! The pressure to come up with creative elf scenarios is enormous!
The Christmas tree, with all its splendor of lights and decorations, is an all-important part of the holiday tradition. Do I buy a fresh tree or finally invest in a pre-lit artificial one this year?
Christmas dinner is another highlight of the holiday season. The kitchen becomes a whirlwind of activity with the preparation of the traditional roast turkey, a mountain of mashed potatoes, and enough gravy to fill an old-fashion swimming pool!
I personally give myself permission to eat the equivalent of a week’s worth of food at the Christmas dinner sitting. I can hardly move afterwards, but it’s well worth it!
Of course, Christmas wouldn’t be complete without the exchange of gifts. I’m haunted by the fear I’ve forgotten someone on my gift list, so I disappear into the madness of last-minute Christmas shopping, wrapping, and assembling that toy that promised “easy assembly” only to discover I really need a degree in engineering to put it together.
The frustration created by the “simple” instructions and the millions of screws involved in assembling that gift is worth it when I see the smile on the little face of the recipient. I’m reminded that Christmas is more than just a holiday of lights, music and presents.
Its religious roots emphasize the birth of Jesus, and its modern celebration is a time for gathering loved ones and sharing the joy of being together.
