The house is quiet. Mark and the kids are all still asleep early this Saturday morning. As I look out our living room windows, I can see that dawn is just breaking over the tops of the mountains...I can see the snow level has dropped on them. In the foreground, the Christmas tree is casting its flickering glow on the walls, the tree itself a focal point of coloured twinkling lights. There is something very peaceful about sitting in a semi light room with the tree on, the outdoors as a backdrop to it all.
As a child who didn't celebrate Christmas, I remember when we would be driving at night, I would enviously be looking into living rooms for a glimpse of their tree. Christmas always felt like such a magical time, even though I didn't celebrate it. The stores were decorated and full of people. The homes were all lit up and cheerful. People were different too. It was almost like they put aside their worries for just a bit, and enjoyed the magic of the Christmas season. I remember waking up Christmas morning and imagining all my school friends gathered around their trees, opening gifts, eating a big meal with all their family. It made me sad. It made me mournful. I so longed to be a part of all that 'magic'. And now I am!! I love Christmas! Our home gets all decorated, our tree goes up, we bake our tooshies off. The house is full of 'Christmas secwets' as Ben calls them. It is a good time. A time to step away from all the things that worry us. A time to let go of all the things that get us frustrated. I am so glad that now I can celebrate the season. I don't have to put on a religious holier than thou attitude to explain to other Christians why I DON'T celebrate this most Christian of Holidays! I can just enjoy it!
The rest of the year is good in our home. We lead a busy fulfilling life. It has it's worrisome times, it has its stressful times. Mark isn't always able to be home due to his job. We deal with ex's and all the craziness that they feel the right to inflict into our home. There are bills and repairs and cheer practices and t ball games and lots and lots and lots to do. So it is nice to take a few weeks to really just ease off on the busy schedule and enjoy the time we have together.
So grab a sugar cookie. Sit by the tree. Put on some Christmas music (Try Sarah Mclachlans "Wintersong" for a really nice DIFFERENT take on Christmas music!)and enjoy the peace and tranquility that steals over you!
Merry Christmas everyone!
Jaye
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