**Before you read any further, please note the photograph. Our pool table becomes a gift wrapping station over the holidays…this is a nuisance, an eye sore, and it will never change no matter how much I protest. Okay, keep calm and carry on.
I lied. There won’t be any other annoying questions discussed here today except this one:
“Are you ready for Christmas?”
It’s usually posed by innocent people with good intentions trying to make small talk. Your manicurist, the bank teller, or that woman on the bake sale committee school that you tried to ditch in Macy’s but couldn’t find a clear path to avoid eye contact. By the way, if I was ready for Christmas, I wouldn’t be in this dreaded, overcrowded, drive-around-forever-looking-for-a-parking-place mall in the first place!
For the record, I am never ready for Christmas. When the kids were little, it was even more of a challenge. Somehow Santa has keep all those toys and stocking stuffers a secret and hidden until the children are asleep with visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads on Christmas Eve. But, sometimes Johnny & Suzy are jacked up on See’s candy from Grandma and CANNOT sleep because they are SO excited about Kris Kringle’s impending arrival. Finally, they’re all tucked in bed and suddenly remember that we forgot to leave cookies out for Santa and a carrot for Rudolph! Wearily, we oblige and luckily Santa comes and does his magic. The crack of dawn always arrives sooner than you think and the kids bust through the bedroom door. Where is the coffee…and the Baileys? (only on Christmas, of course)
Those years are filled with precious memories and I smile when I think of them. But I do remember feeling like Christmas kicked my ass! I think any parent with young children would agree. Nowadays the tables have turned and WE have to roust our kids…you know how teenagers LOVE to sleep in! I find it very amusing.
I don’t mean to sound like a whiner. Overall, I enjoy the holiday season and all the festivities. I love the lights, decorations, the food, the cards, gift giving, music and merry making. I love the Spirit of the Season and connecting with people from the past and present. BUT…I am never “ready” for it. It kind of sneaks up on me and I do my best to pace myself and take time to enjoy it. Sometimes there is overwhelm and an occasional melt down…just ask my husband. This year has been a tricky one for me. I’ve had a little “hitch in my giddy-up” and decked only about half of my halls. Some years, with all that’s going on in life, you can’t do it all. The tree went up late, but she’s a beauty. I’m not done with the gifts, but I’ll get there. I have 11 people coming for dinner on Christmas Eve and I’ve still got more grocery shopping to do. And cooking. Am I ready for Christmas?” No. Some things won’t get done and that’s okay, but you know what? I asked for help and my family is coming through for me.
