How nice was it to wake up when you felt like waking up this Monday? To know that all that work is over, you did the best you could, and you have a few weeks to relax and recuperate before the madness starts all over again? Finals are not particularly stressful for me, I have developed this little habit of studying every night instead of cramming it all in at the end, which helps not just my stress level, but my grades too. What is stressful is the timing of them, right on top of the holidays, when there are presents to shop for, baking to do, family to visit....it's exhausting! Still, the Christmas season remains one of my favorite times of the year, maybe because I changed my view of it a long time ago. I don't sweat giving presents anymore - you know, will this person like what I got them? will it fit? is it good enough? all that is gone. Why? Because I started really paying attention to the people I care for. I listen when they talk about the things they are passionate about. I look at their homes and notice what they seem to collect or treasure, and throughout the year when I see something unique they might like, I buy it and put it on the gift shelf. If nothing strikes me by Christmas, they get an ornament (always a welcome gift) and something yummy baked or bought. I've also discovered that no one really cares if all I show up with is a favorite bottle of wine.
Christmas for me has shifted into a season where I drive down the street marveling at the pretty lights strung on so many homes. The grace of a family of deer grazing at the side of the road. The look of children as they wait to see Santa Claus, the smiles (and sometimes tears) when they are finally placed on his knee to whisper their heart's desire into his ear. For me, Christmas is Cleo the Puppy happily tearing open her presents, while my son's dog Kato steals her stocking. It's the peaceful quiet of my family gathered around the tree on Christmas morning, more absorbed in companionship and coffee than the gifts they open. It's the joy in my beloved boyfriend's eyes while we listen to the music preceeding Midnight Mass. When all is said and done, you'll find you treasure your memories more than your possessions in life.
Whatever holiday you celebrate this season, I hope you spend it surrounded by people who love you, with peace in your soul.
Happy New Year everyone!
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