One of the FB groups I belong to has a daily "what are you up to" post. I sat and read the original post and then I read every comment left, and by the time I got done, I had tears in my eyes.
Everything I read was hurry, hurry, hurry. Tons of posts that said "I HAVE" to do this and that. I have to make hundreds of cookies, I have to make my Christmas cards, I have to make teacher gifts, I have to buy for any body and everybody, I have to make the prettiest packages, I have to decorate.......
You don't HAVE to do anything people! We all make choices and you have CHOSEN to do all those things.
We all need to remember that our names are NOT Betty Crocker or Martha Stewart. Perfection is a 'must' in your own mind.
Thirty years from now, your grandchildren aren't going to remember you set a perfect table - they are going to remember the fun things you did with them.
IF, JUST IF you didn't do all the stuff you think you have to do - will anybody die? NOPE!
Being perfect is an illusion. Being human and enjoying your time with your family is a reality.
Yes, I have several items I would LIKE to accomplish before Christmas as well, but I finally realized this week, that if they don't get done - oh well. My priority is to be as stress free as possible, and to enjoy the time I have on this earth with people I love. Stress can make you sick and it can kill you. It isn't worth it.
When the kids come to visit at Christmas, they just want us to spend time together. If I don't have all the homemade cookies and candies, they won't care. Being together is what it all about. That is what they will remember someday - not that Auntie didn't make enough variety of cookies!
Has anybody heard of the K.I.S.S. principle? Keep It Simple Stupid!!!!!! KISS. This is becoming my life motto. I want to simplify everything in life. I want to spend more time enjoying the moment and the people.
It is amazing to me that it has taken me 63 years to figure this out. Therein comes the term 'stupid'! LOL (I really don't like that word - but you understand what I mean).
I hope you all stop hurrying and stressing. I pray you all JUST enjoy.
The holidays will be over in a couple weeks and then you have a years wait to get the opportunity to enjoy them again.
Who knows if next year will even come.
PLEASE STOP THE MADNESS. ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY! ENJOY THE PEOPLE!
God bless you all.
Hi! How true. The main thing is family and friends and the real meaning of Christmas. We can set goals of what we would like to make or do but if it doesn't get done we need to not get stressed. I would like to make up a few Christmas cards but if I don't get it done, oh well! Merry Christmas! Nancy
ReplyDeleteAmen! We ten to forget what is REALLY important. Glad to hear someone else has the same attitude about it.
DeleteHave a lovely weekend.
I think it has come with age for me. I realize it all will get done or it may not. I used to think you had to have a tree and I've learned life is so much simpler for me without one. If I had kids at home it would be different. It's a lot of trouble though for me. Great Post!
ReplyDeleteThanks Vickie. I have a 2' tree that sits on a table. When done with it, I place a plastic bag over it and sit it back in the basement. Pretty darn easy.
DeleteMaybe you are right - it may come with age. I just wish it hadn't taken so long for me!
Have a good weekend.
Thank you for the timely reminder. I have been caught up in the 'need to' trap. I have Christmas cards that I would like to get posted early next week. If it doesn't happen I don't think anyone will think less of me. I agree it is more important to 'be present' with those we love.
ReplyDeleteJane, good for you. I am happy to give you a gentle reminder!
DeleteLove it. "being present" is so much more important than 'the presents'.
Have a great weekend.
Yes, so true! My crowd will arrive tonight and I have baked one batch of cookies! I'm going to buy store bought Christmas goodies today and they will LOVE them. LOL AND the house isn't going to be as clean as I would like it to be... but they don't care and it's going to be a mess when they leave!!! And it's OKAY!!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely visit and enjoy your time together.
DeleteNo one should be coming to "inspect" the house, they are coming to be together.
Store bought goodies are fine - we need to allow ourselves some slack!
Blessings
so true Cheryl, and it makes me relaxed in the evenings to know that the things I make for others are coming from a place of joy and peace and not stress
ReplyDeleteAmen sister!!!! I can almost see you sitting there working on your projects in the coziness of your home. It makes a heart happy.
DeleteHave a wonderful weekend.
What a timely reminder. I have several things I "want" to do but if I get the basics done I guess that will be it. There is always next year to work on things, I hope.
ReplyDeleteMy sister's and I are going to go to a dairy here in town that always puts on a Christmas display. We went as kids and this year we'll be taking my one sister's grand kids with us. We haven't done this together since we were young and our parents took us. I am loving that we are doing something together. There may even be crafts at Aunt Laurie's next weekend!
Laurie I love it!!!!! Relive your childhood fun. That time is precious, and being with your sisters and the kids is wonderful. Sounds like what Christmas is really all about.
DeleteCraft weekend sounds fun!
Enjoy yourselves and have a wonderful time.
Thank you Cheryl for validating what I have been slowly coming to year after year. I have all my decorations in one popcorn tin at this point, and will be evaluating it after Christmas to see if there is anything else I can pare down. I am excited to see Christmas displays from the stores, the neighbors and the neighborhood with nieces, nephews and their children. My home needs to be the relaxing place for me, and those who are invited to share some time there. If someone doesn't like the way I decorate, I will invite them to do the job, and come back and un-decorate when the time is right. If someone were to think that my home isn't clean enough - they are invited to do the job, then and there. No guilt, no stress.
ReplyDeleteLove it! I do a little decorating, just to appease MYSELF! I agree I don't care what others think. I DO love enjoying all the lights others do. I say THANK YOU to them.
DeleteMy house - my rules! Like it or leave.
It is refreshing hearing that others feel the same way and that I am just not being a Grinch!!
Have a lovely weekend.
I've felt this way the past few years. I decorate MINIMALLY. If cookies get made, fine. If not, fine. No big Christmas tree. Husband and I don't exchange gifts unless it's something small. He buys me things all through the year. Kids and grandkids all get the same thing - money - and it's ALL the same amount so there is no squabbling. This way they can get what they want or need. I can't wait for this Christmas season to be over so I don't have to look at ads and commercials - buy-buy-buy!!!! The more they hype - the more I run the OTHER way!! We do a lot for family all through the year - so there is no reason to go overboard at Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI hope you an your family all have a Merry Christmas an a Happy New Year!
Our prayers and best wishes go out to all the people who have SUFFERED and are STILL suffering due to calamities that have hit our nation this year due to fires, hurricanes, floods, shootings, etc. May they find consolation and peace in the coming year!
My oldest daughter's best friend from kindergarten on just buried her mother yesterday. Both her parents died within two weeks of each other. I can't imagine how she is coping, but I know she is somehow because she is a strong person who has had a lot happen in her 47 years!
DeleteKris, Good for you and your family. No need to spend a ton, and money always lets a person get their special wish item!
DeleteG and I haven't bought each other gifts for each other in years. We get what we want, when we want it.
Yes mam, all prayers needed for all those in harms way. So much has happened this year, it is just plain scary.
I hope they all get relief and solace as well.
I hope your holiday is the best.
Kris how sad for your daughters friend. Prayers that she gets some peace in her loss. I am sure your daughter will be there for her, when she needs a shoulder
ReplyDelete