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Remembering the Holidays

         When I was a kid, the holidays were exciting. I guess that is why I still get excited, even though things are very different.Stores weren't open on Sunday when I was young. So we could go to special church events which almost always had music at the center, or band concerts, or plays. Then there were afternoons spent decorating for the plays and concerts with school chums. I walked home from school, so I could go downtown and shop by myself (8th grade and up).

         Mom didn't work until I got out of high school, so she was always there ready to decorate or sing with hot cocoa or bake something special. My brothers and I did crafts together. It just always seemed like a long season of celebrating and fun.

         Now most women work. How do they find time with housework and errands to do anything special with the kids? How do they support them in their clubs, school, or church? Even for me now with no kids, the season is over before I feel ready. I frequently have my cocoa and singing sessions after Christmas is over. I sit down with my spiced tea and listen to Christmas CD's in January, when there's no company, no deadlines. I have to forego a lot of concerts and special events for other responsibilities in November and December.

         I'm not doing Operation Christmas Child this year (I am donating money for shipping). I'm planning the Thanksgiving meal to be as simple as humanly possible, no perusing of magazines for new recipes or decorating ideas. I refuse to go out of town for anything. The stress distracts me from the holidays. I'm shopping online to avoid parking and traffic and crowded stores. I want to find some of that glow, that excitement again. It doesn't involve money, or glitz or fashion. It might be homespun or simple. It's definitely something you feel. And you just can't feel it when you're rushed or stressed or pressured.