The 4 F's
It’s beginning to look a lot like chaos, I mean Christmas, everywhere I go. I cannot believe that Thanksgiving is over and we are looking at Christmas and then, around the corner, 2024! Time flies when you’re having fun, or even if you’re not! But I hope that you are enjoying your life and seeing the beauty of the season.
It’s a busy time of year. Parties at church. Parties at school. Parties at friends. Maybe even a party at your own home. It can be chaotic. Baking and buying. Shopping and hiding. Wrapping and running. If we’re not careful we fly through the holidays, forget to enjoy them, and wish for calmer and quieter times. Don’t wish your life away. Stop and relish the time with family, friends, food and fun. The four F’s.
Life is full of these four F’s. We wait till there is a special holiday to enjoy them, but there is no set time for food, fun, friends and family.
It’s the Christmas season. Time for some Christmas spirit. Now you may be asking, “What is the Christmas spirit?” January through November my definition is different than it is in December. We get so caught up in the holidays that the “Christmas spirit” becomes defined by frustration, anger, resentment, and feelings of inadequacy. We become resentful and angry at the attitude of the salesperson, or slow traffic, or long lines, or slow people. Suddenly the fun of the holidays disappears.
Want some advice? Forget all the “hub-bub” and enjoy the time you have. Holidays, like people, are perfectly imperfect, so enjoy them. Some of our best memories are of the imperfect family, friends, food and fun. This year I made Bill an Orange Slice Cake. I’ve made him one every year since we married. It took three different bowls to mix it, then the cake had to be chiseled out of the pan. I had to saw it to get one piece. Then it fell out of the cake saver onto the driveway. My son-in-law asked if it cracked the driveway. That’s a memory we will laugh about for a long time.
Don’t expect so much of yourself. Enjoy whatever is happening. Don’t worry about the gifts. Don’t spend too much. The best gift you can give is yourself - completely. Remember the many moments that happen. Store them away for another time to enjoy again. They only happen once. Love deeply - even the demon dog that lives at your (my) house!
Make this Christmas a time to remember fondly. Life is an adventure so enjoy the journey, and remember to love, smile and laugh.
Merry Christmas.
With love from my heart to yours.
Bev
Nashville, TN