Christmas = Love

An old highschool friend posted something the other day on Facebook. It touched me.

Actually, she’s not an “old friend” although I do know her from highschool. We weren’t really friends, in fact we barely knew each other. Which isn’t saying much, because at that time in my life, I barely knew myself. But, as time does, we both became the people we were meant to be (I suppose I can’t speak for her. As a matter of fact, I see the same girl in her that I saw those 20 some odd years ago), and now I see her through a grown woman’s eyes. And I like what I see.

But I digress…she posted a video on Facebook of a young woman and her father singing and playing piano, respectively. They had written a Christmas Song entitled “Where’s the line for Jesus?” It’s a very touching song about all the children waiting in line to see Santa. But if Christmas is the day of Jesus’ birth, then, where, the little boy wonders aloud in the video, is the line to see the birthday boy? Isn’t it He whom we should be lining up to see?

I feel frustrated in the weeks leading up to Christmas when I see the stores putting up all the Christmas trees, jolly Santa Claus decorations, twinkling lights, etc. And the throngs of people who celebrate the holiday, yet have no religious ties to the season. How dare they, I think. They don’t even care about the real reason for all of these decorations.

But something occurred to me this morning…All these people are excited. They are buying gifts for loved one, looking forward to seeing the surprise and (hopefully) delight in the eyes of the receivers. They are preparing food, making Christmas cookies with their children and extended families. They are decorating their homes together, spending time together as a family. And on Christmas day, whether they believe that it’s the day of our Lord’s birth or not, they will come together, sharing gifts, enjoying each other’s company. They will be reminded, for a short time at least, the joy in giving, the joy in sharing. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll feel grateful, and thankful, for the family and friends in their lives.

The reason for this season can be culled down to one word: Love.

Looks like God might know what he’s doing after all.

Black Friday

I got so much accomplished today! I did have to work, but had the pleasure of working from my home office. So nice and quiet. Wrote up a few documents, made some notes, double checked my calendar for afternoon appointments, set up a third conference call, and then decided to run to a store or two…

I haven’t shopped on Black Friday in years, but I have to admit, this wasn’t bad at all. No trouble parking at the first store, and found two gifts for each of my three kids, and only two people ahead of me in line! Then, realized I had an email for said store that offered not one, but TWO of my chosen items at 40% off!

Tried my hand at the toy store, but declared it a zoo upon arrival…there were so many KIDS! What are these parents thinking! I should be nicer – maybe there were no babysitters available…or no budget for babysitters…but still, those poor kids were miserable. They were tired, hungry, bored, over exited, over stimulated…it made for many a breakdown in the aisles, I’m sure. One look at that mess, and I was out the door!

I decided one good store experience was enough for one day, headed home to meet the cable guy (who was right on time!), ordered four more gifts online (two of which were on sale, all of which offered free shipping), got myself through three back-to-back conference calls, and called it a day.

Maybe Black Friday isn’t so bad, after all. I think I’ll go put up the tree…

7 Weeks and Counting...

I had big plans for this weekend. An entire Saturday all to myself. These "kid free" weekends happen every other week. And it goes the same way every time. By Wednesday of KFW, I have a list of all the things I can finally get done. It usually includes catching up with a friend over a cup of coffee or a cocktail. It always includes catching up on laundry, dusting, sweeping, scrubbing toilets... you get the picture. This weekend though, I had added shopping to the list. Christmas shopping and birthday shopping. My sweet Jack is turning 11 on the 13th.

My KFW did start off as planned. Friday night, I had dinner and a much-needed glass of wine with a friend I hadn't seen in awhile. Saturday morning I checked birthday shopping off my list, started the laundry, cleaned the carpets (well, I didn't have much choice, as my dog got sick all over them), took said dog to the vet (where I dropped another $110 - which was most definitely NOT on my list), and made it to Jack's indoor soccer game. Still no Christmas shopping, but there was still Sunday...

It started out well...coffee with my very talented friend Linda, who always inspires me - and who, especially this time, reminded me that I'm not the only lonely writer who understands how hard it is to write honestly and still entertain. Afterwards, I ran by the mall, thinking I could scope out a few Christmas gift ideas. But, Lord, the minute I walked into that winter wonderland, I was ready to run..Santa’s Christmas area was all set up, complete with faux snow and red, velvet throne, all the little kiosks were being set up - the calendars, the stockings, the Christmas tree ornaments. I'm just not ready for this. I ran back to my car and headed home.

I did get to see Kathleen Turner in "High" at the REP. I highly recommend it - it was very intense, but the acting was outstanding. And if you haven't been to the REP, I highly recommend it, as well.

My weekend did end on a Christmas note, of sorts. The December EVERLAST catalogue was delivered yesterday. My (almost) 11 year old, Jack, is fascinated with all things boxing. He went through that catalog faster than I read People magazine and circled all the things he wanted for Christmas. One of these is a 16-foot square boxing ring. Oh yes! Complete with the ropes. This can be his for a mere $16,000.00. Plus shipping and handling. Hmmm…

He told me he’d happily get rid of all his bedroom furniture, including the bed and the PS2. "Where will you sleep?" I asked. He raised an eyebrow, lifted his hands, palms up, and said (exhasperated) “in the ring!” Of course! What was I thinking?

8 Weeks and Counting

I just heard that there are only 8 weeks until Christmas. I panicked. I need to start shopping! I need to start planning! I need to cook, clean, make lists, send Christmas cards, buy, wrap…!

For me, the first purchase is always the hardest. Once I’ve “cut the ribbon” on gift purchasing, it’s all down hill. So, in the spirit of ribbon-cutting, I bought two gifts the other night.

Truth be told, I don’t feel any better.

In an effort to keep myself grounded, and on task for the next 8 weeks – no, wait, 7.3 weeks now (damn, it’s already closer…) I’ve decided to chronicle my preparations here. Should be eventful. I can promise you a laugh or two, and some holiday stress. Maybe it will help propel me forward. I hope that it keeps you sane, and motivates you to tackle one thing at a time, and along the way, I’ll try to remind us both that there is a REASON for this holiday that is far more important than gifts, food, decorations and parties. I’m going to center myself to this reality right now.

Happy shopping!