We have them. We have a lot of them. And the ones we don't have--we start. And then stop. And then start new ones. Maybe you're like us, maybe not.
One such tradition that we started almost 40 years ago was this--my husband began taking the last 2 weeks of the year off. Yep, those last 2 weeks of December were ours. No work. No school. Just family fun.
And even though our kids have left the nest, we've continued that tradition. I like it. There's time to shop together, plan together, and enjoy the season without rushing. We drive around in the evenings looking at Christmas lights, peering into stranger's windows and imagining what their holidays are like. We do lots of shopping--food, gifts, more food. There's a lot of togetherness--I've noticed.
It is interesting to me though, I noticed something else this year as I was preparing for Christmas. Just because my kids have grown up and moved out--well, it doesn't mean the load has gotten any lighter. What? Yep, you heard me. Life is just as crazy, maybe even more so. Which has caused my brain to work overtime trying to figure out this little conundrum. I've tried hard you know. Only to come up empty-handed, scratching my head and wondering why. I think it's probably age. I run around, spinning my wheels, trying to get everything right. I like everything to run smoothly, every gift to be perfect and the food to be awesome. It's a lot of work for this little grandma, but I do it. And I'd like to think I do it well.
Anyway, back to traditions. I like this 2 weeks off thing. It works well for us. But, guess what? It's the last year it will be this way. My husband is retiring next year and then we will have every day off! So, how will that affect our tradition? Will we still do the same things in the same way? I don't know, time will tell I guess. Maybe, just maybe I won't feel so stressed next year. We'll have more time to plan and get things done just right. Perfectionism at it's finest.
We're halfway through this year's 2 weeks of vacation. Today, being Christmas will start out slowly and then build into a crescendo as the rest of the family arrives for presents and prime rib. Grandkids will be running amuck and dogs will be barking. The oven will be baking, and the fire will be burning. And as the day draws to an end, it will dawn on me that we still have a week to go. I call it "return week". So, with a name like that, why not make it special too? Let's continue the eating, laughing, driving around, shopping, etc. Why not, there's a week left! Let's make the most of it.
And that my friend--is my personality in a nutshell. Let's make the most of it. Life, family, fun, traditions. Make them, break them. New ones, old ones. Just enjoy your family, have fun, hug, laugh, cry a little, and make memories. Embrace your quirks. One day, it'll be what you're remembered for. Think about that for a minute!
Most of all, remember what this time of year is all about. For me, it's about Jesus, my savior. It's about His birth, His life, and His death. Without Him, I truly wouldn't appreciate what I have or what I've become. I wouldn't want to experience one day without Him being in my life. My question would be, what does this time of year mean to you? What are your traditions centered around? Mine are centered around God, my family, my friends and neighbors, and those less fortunate. Mine are centered around prayer--for you, for my family and for others.
So, as you mull this over, have yourself a merry little Christmas, and I'll see you all next year.
