Let me set the record straight before I begin. I love the whole season from the first breezy, blue day that Fall arrives until Christmas Day. At least I love the idea of what I want those days to be. But something strange happens and time seems to speed up towards the end of the year. I have a calendar and know what to expect, but I was caught by surprise the other day when I walked into a winter wonderland of holiday cheer..the first week in October. Ho, ho, noooo!
I had intended on popping in to get something non-holiday related but had to navigate through a forest of bedazzled fiber-optic trees accompanied by the ”charming” music of Alvin and the Chipmunks. This agitated me and I began to channel the White Rabbit, thinking, “I’m late, I’m late, for a very important date!”. The dreaded feeling of being behind before the holiday had even begun stinks.
As I drove home, I thought about my reaction and I felt a mix of mad and sad. This time of year has always been my favorite because it is about home and kids and family. I don’t like feeling pressured to “buy more and be more!” , because that really ratchets up the anxiety meter. For me, the frenzy is about trying to meet some unattainable ideal that exists only in a Norman Rockwell print. Christmas is about remembering a miracle that is the beginning of all that I love.
So I stopped freaking out. I breathed deeply, rolled down the windows and enjoyed the beautiful October day. The trees weren’t neon or synced to music, but the edges of the maples are starting to blush orange, red and gold. This time of year is a gift I don’t want to miss, so I won’t. I began to feel better and put that crazy rabbit right out of my head. As for the sweaty palms and racing heart beat I felt in the store? I’m pretty sure it was an allergic reaction to pre-December tinsel. Nothing that living in the moment can’t cure.
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Tags: anxiety, buying, Christmas, Fall, family, holidays, home, pressure, seasons
Yes, Christmas is all about sharing with friends and family.
I’m glad you won’t let this unease feeling of Christmas deteriorate you good spirit.
Absolutely! No bah humbug-itis here