It's too early to even think about Christmas festivities.
Let me continue on my merry way until December 1st and then I'll bring out the Christmasy mugs, seasonal music, we'll set up the tree and decorate a few days after that. But please, not till December!
The more Christmases I've experienced, the less excited I am about all the hoopla. All I really want is to do some small but meaningful activities to celebrate and focus on the true reason for Christmas. And that gets me to thinking. It's really a 365-days-a-year celebration, isn't it?
I read a great post this morning from Susie Davis's blog. An excerpt:
There are 365 days in a year to remember people in thoughtful, inexpensive and free ways. A call, a text, a funny photo shared. An old fashion letter or a handmade loaf of bread. A hug, a smile, an unexpected visit. There's so many ways we can love one another... and so many days to choose from (my emphasis).
My thoughts exactly. Don't get me wrong. I do love giving gifts to people, but I don't enjoy the time pressure for determining 'what to give' and the rules for 'when to give'.
Thankfully, my immediate family are all on the same page when it comes to simple. We choose names and keep the spending limit to a minimum. We have a few traditions that we enjoy each year, and that's it. And we are understanding when we can't have everyone around the Christmas Day dinner table. With married children and those who are far from home, it's impossible to expect that every year.
Still, even with simple plans, it gets busy.
I hope I can set aside some hours to create a few handmade items, but time is limited in November/December due to work deadlines (and all the extra social outings at this time of year). I should have started last January. But usually the gifts I make early are already given away by the time December rolls around!
I am trying to determine how to keep it simple, yet special. With little stress. Time with family, friends, meaningful giving, laughter and celebration, and remembering those in need.
To begin with, I hope to stay far from shopping malls for the next month or so!
