'Tis the Season

'Tis the season for busy schedules, and racing to and fro, trying not to miss a thing.

'Tis the season for too many Christmas parties, and too much sugar, and late nights, and sugar crashes galore.

'Tis the season for runny noses and spiking fevers, all which set you back when you have "too much to do."

'Tis the season for toy-store meltdowns (I want it NOW!), and teaching about giving, all while frantically shopping and looking for the best deal.

'Tis the season for grumbling as you suit up to go outside and shovel the sidewalk again, and again, and again, and wet clothes line the floors, and mud is tracked all over the house.

Tis the sesason...

Or is it?

Take a deep breath with me.  Look out the window and take a breath again.

'Tis the season for spending time with loved ones and making memories.

'Tis the season for keeping secrets about that 'just too cool' perfect gift you found.

'Tis the season to treasure the excitement (especially with young ones around), and whisper in anticipation, and make magical moments last before childhood is really done.

'Tis the season for getting out in the cold to shovel or walk or just play, and coming back in for a hot drink while you defrost. 

'Tis the season for traditions.  It doesn't have to be fancy.  Pull out the old Nativity set.  Let the kids decorate the tree.  Throw on some Boney M, and just enjoy.

'Tis the season for fun, not perfection... for hanging the kids' crafts even though they don't match the decor, for baking cookies that look like a flop, not a Pinterest win, and for eating them with crumbly hands and PJs on and milk to dip. 

'Tis the season for being thankful, for remembering, for choosing joy.

* * * * *
As I pulled out the Christmas boxes this year, and my 6-year old twins got to work, I was flooded with memories of being a child and how much fun this time of year was.  I suddenly remembered the time our Christmas star for the top of the tree broke.  Rather than racing out to the store to get a new one, we found an old cardboard box, cut out a star, and covered it in tin foil.  It wasn't glamorous, but it was enough.  That old star lasted a number of years, from what I remember. 

In this age of consumerism and hurry and Pinterest and Instagram, it's easy to get caught up and forget why we are doing these things.  Last year my kids and I made a list of all the things to do in December to make the season special.  I was off work and they were only in half day school, and it was great.  This year, we are both working full-time, the kids are in full-day school, and between a case of bronchitis, and hubby finishing his Master's course, time looks different.  This season can, and still will be, beautiful. 

So, let's go easy on ourselves.  Let's enjoy the season, and remember what it is truly all about.