Tis the season for…well, way too much
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Are you like me during the Christmas season? Do you put way more on your “to do” list than you can possibly manage? Decorating, shopping, wrapping, shipping, writing and mailing cards, baking, and maybe even making a few gifts? Geesh! What a load! I don’t mind telling you that some years I’ve allowed such tasks to really get in the way of my Christmas spirit. But, that’s not what Christmas is about, is it?
Sure, I want to have a nice tree, and put out the nativity set, but thankfully, I’m “over” a lot of that other stuff. Instead, this year I’ve vowed to have a stress free Christmas. And so far I’m actually succeeding in doing just that! Of course, I’ve had to take a few things off my list, but I’m really enjoying the season SO much more! Christmas music, fun and leisurely decorating, wacky gift wrapping, and more. Heck, I think I might even be able to enjoy a fruit cake this year.
For the last few years, we’ve been giving my son some practical gifts, in anticipation of college needs. Since these aren’t that much fun to open, I often wrap them in creative ways. Perhaps you can guess what he’s getting this year.
We skipped our enormous artificial tree this year, in lieu of a beautiful fir.
SO much better! Here it is before ornaments.
(Remember, I decorated leisurely, so it stayed this way for a few days.)
For the most part, I decorated in the same fashion as previous years. But, there’s always something new that catches my eye. This year it was these glittery branches.
I love them!
Hmm. Can I get away with leaving them up all year? (And would I want to?)
These branches remind me of Christmas lights seen in Pensacola, FL.
These are huge pecan trees. They were breath taking when wrapped with lights! We used to check them out every year. Another non-stressful and leisurely family event.
(Unless it was cold. Then, it wasn’t so leisurely.)
I hope you’ll find ways to limit your stress this Christmas season. Enjoy your family, traditional activities, and the true meaning of the day.
Ellen Lindner
It seems that “Reduced Stress” is this year’s Christmas theme. Everyone I talk to or hear from is saying that they are concentrating on relaxing and enjoying Christmas. I think it’s wonderful, I’ve been doing it for years and it’s even more relaxing to us longtime relaxers to have those around us joining in! Joy to the World and Relax Ever More!
Hi Debby. I’m so glad to be joining the ranks!!!
Merry Christmas Ellen, I too have let go some of the panic inducing things, so Bob & I decided not to send Christmas cards, for various reasons. I think this is only the second time we have missed this out.
Hope you have a great Christmas day & wonderful year ahead.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!