Chatting with son #1 yesterday, I could hear the stress in his voice. He’d held off shopping for gifts because he just now has the cash to do so; he called on his way out, looking for a few ideas for me and his Dad. I gave him some practical suggestions but tried to encourage him not to spend too much. I tried talking him through what I knew he could only learn on his own: that Christmas is not about that. But he didn’t hear me.
He had a deadline, a list to check off, and so much to get done before he had to be back to finish up the day and ready the little ones for bed and himself for his work week. And. And. And.
I remember those days. Those frantic, manic, Christmases. I remember working myself down to the nub when all I really wanted was one good sleep.
I remember.
And now, I am so grateful to be this much older with this much more experience.
I’ve cut way back this year; less gifts, less stress, less work. Less. Less. Less.
Today starts my last week of work for the year.
There’s a stack of books calling my name and I’ve set them aside for Christmas vacation.
It’s hard to come up with a wish list just for the sake of it.
What I really want… I have: some time off with pay, time for me and hubbs to slip out for the night, to share a laugh and a look and a promise of what’s to come. Time to sleep in, to cook, to read in the winter sun. Time to play with the kids & grands, and to visit friends and family.
Unscheduled time to goof off and to accomplish absolutely .. nothing.
I've always wanted to try yoga ...
I’m not hard to buy for; I just don’t need anything.
What’s on my wish list?
Nap? Yes please
My wish is that anyone reading this will see the promise of what is Christmas.
When possible, forgive. When not, give yourself the freedom that comes with letting go.
When you can help another, do it. You’ll get back more than you give anyways.
Take care of yourself. Walk. Stretch. Rest.
Take care of others. Choose words carefully; hold back criticism, be generous with praise.
... see the humour in everyday things
Have fun; be curious. Play.
... off to explore new things!
Mix it up. Stop the schedule. Slow down.
Look around. Try something new.
Celebrate what is.
and give thanks via knee-mail
*all images from Pinterest
Adorable photos to go with your ever-present wisdom. Yes, I find myself wishing for a slower-paced Christmas. That’s wonderful that you have some time off to relax and enjoy!
And I’m sure you’ve noticed that I passed along an award to you today – to thank you for your friendship and for being such a loyal reader. AND for your thoughtful comments!
… I knew you’d love those kitty photos, Dianna.
Truth be told, we’d both have a kitty too, if we could, but hubbs is ER-allergic so it’s a non-starter. ** Sigh ** I still miss my barn kitties.
Thank you for the award; I am proud to be your friend and a frequent commenter. Cheers!
MJ
Love “Nap? Yes please.”
How lucky your son is to have you as a mom who he can call at a moment’s notice, (Read caller ID, and know you must put on your mom jeweled crown). Great gems you shared.
Where’s that crown? I must have misplaced it – ha!
You are so sweet, Georgette. The thing is .. most moms do that. I love him and the opportunity to talk with him is always welcomed.
Cheers to you !!
MJ
Please pick up a peppermint candy from my virtual candy cane jar at my site. There’s a surprise waiting for you.
Thank you, Georgette. What a sweet touch. I appreciate you
MJ
You are exactly right…less, less, less. I have done that this year largely due to schedule. And I must say, I appreciate the freedom from all the standard to-dos. Thank you for this post! ~ Sheila
Yes and yes! I think we’re on to something Sheila
MJ
Love the idea of celebrating what is! Merry Christmas, Marilyn.
Me, too. Thank you, Pat – and Merry everything to you & yours
MJ
More excellent advice and wisdom from MJ!!
You rock woman.
~d.
… and it only took me 48 years to figure out!!
Cheers!! MJ
I love the wisdom that comes with getting older. Truly. This is lovely. Here’s to less, less, less. Wishing you everything on your list!
Yes, yes, yes to less, less, less!
Cheers to a cozy home, heart-warming times of laughter and good cheer, yummy foods to enjoy, happy people smiling back at us and all the good our hearts can hold.
MJ
Agree. Agree. Agree. So eloquently expressed! Looking forward to just that kind of Christmas (well, with out the time off…rats!) But so content….Love that phrase….everything I want, I have!
… contentment – yes, that’s it!
Thank you, Adrienne. I loved your post about family being the wrapping around the tree = perfection!
MJ
Great post! Thanks so much for sharing.
Thank you, Anita. Come back again .. until then, Cheers to you!!
MJ
Love this, MJ! Have a wonderful time with your family!
Wendy
and same to you, Wendy. MJ
I wish we could all scale back – good book, crackling fire, cup of hot anything,
time with friends and family, what could be better? Thanks for the reminder.
We can
Give yourself permission to whack a few things from the list and see who notices. The scene you just described? Perfection!
MJ
I may need a personality transplant but I’ll do just what you say. Or try! Nice post!
…Cheers to you, Elyse!
MJ
Beautiful post Marilyn, I’m so glad to have come across it. Wonderful spirit in your words, and who can resist so much kitten cuteness? Thanks for sharing, and Happy Holydays.
Thank you. Happiest days to you as well; thanks for visiting, Noel. MJ
Amen, MJ! Great post to remind us all to enjoy the moments and the season. I for one will take this to heart.
I know you will Leah. Cheers to you for the season
MJ
Six days and counting, so things are really revving up. I admire your attitude to cut back. What do we really need at this point? Health. Loved Ones. True time in good company. I think you’re on to something…if we were more like cats we wouldn’t be making last minute forays to the store, but instead taking last minute naps. Thanks for the pause and smile. i needed it.
That’s it … that’s all we “need.” A cozy home, loved ones near, holiday tunes playing, a card game going, something yummy to eat and by all means .. naps
Please come by again !! MJ
You have such wonderful perspective. It IS good to be this much older, to know you can have a full night’s sleep, to be more financially settled than in the younger days. By this age, we appreciate Christmas more and place fewer demands on ourselves.
I love your plan for Christmas vacation. I have a couple of long weekends ahead and plan to spend it much the same.
… Yep, it is great to be this much older and away from all that stress. no more for me .. I’m following my own rules.
Cheers to you! MJ
Precious post and photos! Knee-mail —- love it!
Thank you; I think I’m partial to yoga kitty
Maybe because I’ve never successfully done it … ?
Merry everything!
MJ