I cannot lie. I stink at Christmas.
Some years, I don’t even like it.
First, there are the presents. I have friends who intuitively know how to find the perfect gift for everyone they love. I so envy them. I feel such pressure to find just the right gifts that I dread the start of the holiday season.
Then, if I manage to find a decent gift, I feel the pressure to wrap it—just so. It’s not enough to have substance, there must also be presentation.
My children will tell you they always know which packages are from Mom. Each has an extra square of wrapping paper taped to the bottom to cover the place where the paper doesn’t quite meet in the middle.
And those big, sparkly, wire-ribboned bows? I can barely tie my tennis shoes, let alone create something stunning to adorn my packages.
I’m not very good at decorating, either. My friends start scouting for trendy new additions to their décor as soon as Hobby Lobby sets out its Halloween/Christmas display in August. Not me. I postpone it as long as possible unless I can talk one of my artsy daughters into helping me. If I didn’t have grandchildren, I’d skip the Christmas tree altogether.
For years, the angst I felt about all things Christmas stole the joy from my celebration and made me dread it long before the December calendar page flipped.
Maybe you’re a Christmas flunky too. Maybe you despise our culture’s pressure to make every Christmas bigger and better than the one before. Perhaps you too feel the desire to slow down, simplify, and savor, but you’re not sure how to make it happen.
I shared the rest of this story with the Our Daily Bread community on the God Hears Her blog. CLICK HERE to read How a Holiday Flunky Found Christmas Joy.
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Lori! Me too!
Except for the part about dreading the holidays, I can so relate.
I want to read your post on God Hears Her, but the CLICK HERE link doesn’t work.
Thanks for sharing your journey with us!
Link fixed! Thanks for your patience, Jeanne!
I can’t wait to read the rest of this because you sounds just like me but the link still doesn’t work.
Oh my, technology. I think we’re fixed now. Thanks for your patience, Lisa.
I won’t say my CHRISTmas spirit is gone, but it’s on life support for sure. Oh, the “reason for the season”, as they say, burns strong in my heart, but the desire to decorate, listen to festive music, and shower our loved ones with gifts; those days have passed. I received a book from a dear friend some years ago entitled, “Mama was the Queen of Christmas.” I remember how that title spoke to me, because my adopted mama was that person. She loved everything about the holiday and the day after Thanksgiving was her official start; and the celebration didn’t end until our dad made her take down the decorations at the end of January. Perhaps my love for the season died with her. We celebrate the birth of our Savior, but that CHRISTmas spirit wanes in recent years. God’s blessings, and Merry CHRISTmas Hatcher family.
J.D. I can only imagine that a lot of the fun and atmosphere dimmed when you lost your beloved mama. She sounds like a lovely woman, and I’m going to count on you introducing us one day. THEN we’ll really celebrate together. Christmas blessings to you and Mrs. Diane.
Lori, I enjoyed this hysterical post, but I also gleaned practical ideas for honoring Jesus and blessing others at Christmas and at other times of year. Thank you.