My Christmas Story

I’ve spent this Christmas in a space of reflection; present in the moment and soaking up the bliss that comes from being in that middle space right between youth and maturity. That space that sometimes makes ridiculous decisions and sometimes feels very much put together.

As I look at the social media photos I’m presented with such unique diversity. Some people out hiking with their beloved furry friends, some displaying grandiose mounds of presents for their littles, some in PJs and heels making family traditions glamorous, some sipping champagne in bikinis on the beach. Many with snow covered landscapes, fuzzy slippers, and roaring fireplaces. I’m swept over by the warm and cozy feeling these snapshots in time capture.

I think back to last year on Christmas. I was knee deep in work, feeling totally overwhelmed with the load I was carrying. We placed the tree in the living room while I tried to juggle unpacking ornaments and working from home at the same time, only to find us still decorating the tree at 2 AM. The days passed and I missed the photos of the heels, the beach, the littles, the treats, and the furry friends. I didn’t even get to see them as the time flew by and I focused on what was pressing on my to-do list.

And alas Christmas Day arrived and I hadn’t even seen it coming or had to time to plan. We creaked open the cupboards to find nothing inside. We drove around in circles in a frenzy of googling trying to determine what might remain open only to find sleepy little Charlottesville in a restful slumber. Needless to say our little bellies rumbled and we went to sleep hungry with a funny story to tell. But, I felt deflated by being so unprepared for the things I find important while being completely wrapped up in the things that were not.

THIS YEAR I PROMISED MYSELF…

to create a different Christmas story for our sweet little family. Siren got presents in her stocking for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The menu was prepped two weeks in advance. Grocery shopping completed before the big day arrived. And I felt a surge of excitement flow through my veins. Maybe I’m becoming the host and entertainer I’ve always dreamed of being.

MY CHRISTMAS DAY…

I didn’t awake until almost noon because I didn’t have to – I don’t have little ones excited for Christmas so why set an alarm!

I leisurely woke, took a shower, and got dressed in comfy clothes that didn’t match anyone else.

Then, we got our coats on and took the puppy for a ride to Starbucks to get our holiday beverages. (Something I’ve been doing since a previous failed adventure to find coffee on Christmas Day in New England)

We watched Christmas movies and sipped our coffees and we snuggled on the couch.

At around 4 PM I begun to create my much anticipated Christmas dinner – complete with ham, mashed potatoes, salad, and casserole.

Dinner was finished around 7 PM and everyone dug into the delicious meal with delight.

The evening ended with more movies, glasses of wine, and dessert.

I don’t have glorious photos of my tree and decorations displayed in Lauren Conrad fashion all throughout my home. I don’t have piles of gifts under my tree, cute PJs to pose in or Christmas Day family photos.

For a brief moment I stared at the lights strung like icicles and white tinsel of the photos on my feed and I felt a bit sad. A little discouraged that my tree was in the wrong corner of the living room where only the top half was visible, that the boxes wrapped under the tree were only for decoration, that I couldn’t take Christmas morning photos in front of beautifully displayed reindeer.

But, the moments that make Christmas special are the efforts put in for love. I cooked a meal made with pure love because I enjoy it. I even took a few photos because I had a chance before everyone dug in. As Christmas Day comes to a close I’m happy to wash the dishes and clean up the mess of what I created because I’m proud of how far I’ve come since last year. Next year, I’ll begin a little earlier and display some tinsel. The house will be a little more festive and I might even get a cute Christmas family photo. Who knows what else might become a part of our sweet family traditions.

In the meantime I rest happily tonight knowing that I’ve done what I set out to do this year – to live more in each moment and create some white space in my life. Chaos has been replaced by fully lived moments and delightful preparation. I’ve spent my time preparing something special for those I love and doing so with careful thought. The spirit of Christmas shone through our home today with no stress, no debt, and all the wonderful smells of the holidays. What a success to be proud of.