...and don't forget to hang-up your sock! (OK. That is a quote from what is possibly the worst, most insipid, Christmas song ever: "Happy Holidays.")
But it is that time again and this year I've been curiously and pleasantly excited. In a low-key way, but enjoying it nonetheless. First, however, I must say I am opposed to the holiday creep. Christmas songs right after Halloween? Really? But all bets are off after Thanksgiving as we count down the Sundays in Advent. That's when it is time to break out the music and eggnog.
Even then I have to pace myself. I've come to realize that I'm happiest with about two weeks of intense preparation. More than that and I burn out by Christmas. It must be my procrastinating soul, but it's only fun when the pressure is ON. (Oh my poor, organized husband.) Part of what I look forward to is the night I stay up late working on some Christmas project. The rest of the family is asleep, the lights are low and I have candles lit, with seasonal music in the background. It's magic.
This year the phrase that is keeping me going through the holiday vortex is "good enough." The advantage to having a small house is that it's not good for entertaining. No entertaining means it doesn't have to be perfect. We can have what we want for our dinner and it will include Yorkshire pudding. The decorations and tree will happen when they happen. I'm liking the old-world tradition of not unveiling a decorated tree until Christmas Eve. My baking has not gotten past the contemplation stage. Luckily we have the 12 days until Epiphany to enjoy the fruits of our hard work. Everything will be good enough and we'll enjoy ourselves.
This year I'm enjoying the little things, like my (failed) attempt to make our liquid hand soap seasonal by layering pink and green. It's now a more neutral color (but smells good). I feel inspired making my holiday cards. (Still have to cough out the Christmas letter.) There are holiday shows and music and I love Christmas lights.
I know I must be a grown-up because church has become the highlight of the season, the 10pm Christmas Eve service. I sing in the choir. I enjoy the greenery, candles, incense, bells; lessons and carols with glorious descants. After a few hours of that I feel CHURCHED. Then it's home to await Santa Claus.
So there it is. I feel hopeful anticipation and wish all of it for you no matter what you may or may not be celebrating.
