Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Feeling Peaceful

It's December 1st today. It is the coldest day we've had so far and winter jackets and gloves are a necessity now. Fittingly enough, big, fluffly snowflakes are floating around outside my window.  It is starting to feel like Christmas.  And I am ready. 

In so many years past I have felt such a sense of urgency surrounding the holidays.  I have to do this, I have to get this, I have to make everything perfect, I have to get everything done.  I really don't feel like that this year.  I feel peaceful.  I have no stress or anxiety this year as I did in the past.  I am not placing tons of pressure on myself to make it a fabulous holiday, I'm just going to try and sit back and enjoy it more. 

This year I will get my Christmas cards out when I get them out.  No big deal. 

I still don't have my decorations up yet, but I will someday soon. 

There will be no fancy schmancy Christmas dinners planned.  We will be spending time with our families eating hors d' oeuvres and appetizers and enjoying each other. 

Gifts will be bought in good time.  I have bought some already but still have more to get.  I'll get them when I get them.  I really want to think carefully and thoughtfully about what I want each person to have.  I want the gifts to mean something.  So I'm taking my time.

This morning I sat in church, and when Joey was done doing a fabulous job on his reading, the priest asked the school children what Christmas was all about.  Hands flew up all around the church and kids offered up explanations of Jesus' birth and helping others.  My own sweet, little Tommy raised his hand, waited to be called on and said, "It is about the Joy of being with family."  And that sums it up pretty good for me too.
I am consciously making an effort to make the holidays less like this:
And much more like this:

My mom is having her open heart surgery on Tuesday. 

Money has been tight here lately. 

Our schedules have been crazy.  

There are reasons to stress.  Yet I am still feeling peaceful.  And I am grateful. 

I hope you too can feel His peace this season.  That's what it's all about.

21 comments:

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

I pray that your mom's surgery goes well and she has an easy recovery.

I'm going to try to copy your peacefulness..it isn't coming for me, yet.

Anonymous said...

Sending my very best wishes to your mum.

Beautiful photographs. I've been laid back about Christmas this year, too. I've been busy with the book but kind of thought, "I'll leave the cards 'till the last minute!" However, with all the bad weather we're having, we have no post service so it's made me want to get them done and posted, just in case I miss out!

And I'm going to put our decs and tree up at the weekend. I want to enjoy the whole of December with loveliness!

CJ xx

Brittany said...

Praying for your mom's surgery! Praying for protection, health, and fast healing.

What a wonderful reminder. Christmas is about love and family, not about the hustle and bustle. I think we all tend to forget that, around this time of year!

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you're filled with peace--will pray for your mom's surgeon--and her!

Tabor said...

Congratulations on getting so wise so early in life!

Tonya said...

low key holidays is what it is all about!

Riahli said...

Sending up a prayer for your mom.

I'm trying my hardest to be filled with peace this year. To not stress the money factor or get all worked up about the perfect gift for everyone. I've always tried to make Christmas more about family and what we do together to celebrate and less about presents and the give me, give me's...we don't even do Christmas lists around her. But I'll admit I have been a little worked up on the inside worrying about the other stuff that comes with this season. Good reminder of what really matters, so thank you!!

Jeni said...

You're taking the right road by trying to eliminate what stressors you can and then, turn the other things over -the ones over which you have no control -to the One who can take those worries away from you. Christmas will still come and go whether we are fully ready or not (in our minds, that is) and why let it make us uptight and unable to enjoy the true meaning of the season?

Mom24 said...

I'll be praying for your mom. Peace. So elusive and so fulfilling, I'm glad you've found it.

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness, hon! Praying for you mom and for continued peace. I wish I could feel it too. It seems harder this year for some reason and I don't know why...

Cyndy Bush said...

I am all choked up over Tommy's meaning of Christmas! What a wise little boy.
I am usually stressed and don't have a good holiday spirit, but this year I am feeling great. Although I'm not working and money is tight, we keep getting blessed in so many ways that it is amazing. And we're just keeping in mind the reason we celebrate Christmas!

imbeingheldhostage said...

I'm glad you're feeling that peace! You must be doing something very right. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Mom!

Debbie in CA : ) said...

Peace . . . the gift the Angel promised so long ago. So often I forget to accept it. I am so glad you are stepping back from the fray after such a busy Fall full of "seasons." enJOY the quietness of a Christmas spent at the manager rather than the mall -- you'll be blessed.

As for tight funds . . . the poverty Gary and I endured in our early married life (with kids) really set the stage for much simpler celebrations despite the wealth that came in due time. Our kids still celebrate Jesus' birthday and never ask for a thing. I can see your kiddoes celebrate the hugs and love and pure joy of family foremost, as Tommy so aptly stated for all to hear. He is wise and has been taught well. Keep up the good work, sweet one.

XO ~~ Debbie

dawn klinge said...

You have a beautiful perspective on the season. I hope your mom's surgery went well and that she is recovering now.

Anonymous said...

I hear ya sistah! For some reason this year I am not feeling as anxious as usual either. And it's nice!

Kat said...

Dawn- My mom's surgery is actually this coming Tuesday. Sorry if that was confusing. Keep her in your prayers!

Jen said...

Wow, I couldn't have said it better myself. We have had a few more downs than ups recently and really just need time to appreciate the season, not just rush, rush, rush...Enjoy the peace!

Karen Deborah said...

You are very wise so young! I was bragging on you the other day I think you missed that one. Grace is so CUTE! Having a relaxed family Christmas is the best.

Karen Deborah said...

ps will be praying for all of you.

Lisa said...

Praying your Mom's surgery goes well & that the holidays continue to be peaceful & full of the loveof family. What a sweet little man you have!

lime said...

oh goodness, i have obviously missed something in my absence. i didn't know your mom was unwell. prayers for a successful surgery and speedy recovery. and continued peace to you all.

Words To Live By

Be grateful for each new day.
A new day that you have never lived before.
Twenty-four new, fresh, unexplored hours to use usefully and profitably.
We can squander, neglect, or use them.
Life will be richer or poorer by the way we use today.
Finish every day and be done with it.
You have done what you could;
some blunders and absurdities crept in;
forget them as soon as you can.
Tomorrow is a new day.
You shall begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be
encumbered with your old nonsense.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson