The Other Side of Christmas
I remember being a child. Probably around ten years old. I could not wait for Christmas to come. I remember the excitement that kept me awake every night for weeks leading up to that wonderful day.
This year, I had that same excitement, but for very different reasons. I could not wait for Christmas to come so it could be over with. The sleepless nights due to stress caused by the mountain of gifts I needed to make. I just wanted it to be over with. I wanted to be able to sit back and enjoy the season with my family. But yet again, the stress stepped in and took over. Such a rude visitor. It keeps me up all night, makes my house a mess, and turns me into a grump.
To combat, I tried listening to Christmas music. But quite honestly, this year the Christmas music did not make me happy. Every time I turned on the radio, I became very distracted and annoyed. I didn't want to hear about Rudolph, or shoes or any of that other rubbish. I wanted to hear about that special night so long ago. I wanted to be uplifted because the birth of the Savior was the most important birth to have ever happened. That ever will happen. I wanted to focus on the beauty and simplicity of it all. All the fringe just irked me that much more.
One day, a few weeks before Christmas I headed out to pick up supplies for gifts. It was snowing, and lovely. While driving, I encountered several red lights. I tried to break, but unfortunately the breaks had gone out. I mean, I slid, even though I was tapping the breaks. It was quite terrifying. I was eventually able to slow down, and gingerly tried the breaks again. If I was gentle, they would stop me. But only if I was going 5 mph. Sigh. I tell you, the kids and I prayed loud and long the rest of that car ride. I turned in to the first car repair place I could find. Not a fun day. But, we were safe. That is what mattered, right?
Now that Christmas is over, I sit, deliberating over all my spare time. I could be taking down the decor. I could be picking up a few of the big projects that were placed on the back burner. Instead, I relish in the nothingness that is required of me. Glory be I can breathe again!
Now that Christmas is over, I sit, deliberating over all my spare time. I could be taking down the decor. I could be picking up a few of the big projects that were placed on the back burner. Instead, I relish in the nothingness that is required of me. Glory be I can breathe again!
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Then I perk up and go on to New Year's!
=)