I woke up this morning with a laughably long to-do list. I’m nowhere near finished with my Christmas shopping, I’ve got half-finished projects that I need to complete, and Christmas baking, … and the list goes on and on.
As I looked at each item on the list, I felt my motivation melt away faster than a marshmallow in a cup of hot cocoa.
I thought if I took a nice, long soak in a hot bubble bath, I’d be more inspired to get to work but when I got out, but all I felt like doing then was curling up with a warm blanket.
It made me remember, that I had planned not to go “Christmas crazy” this year.
My intentions were good, but the more I perused Pinterest, the faster my resolve crumbled and I jumped on the Christmas crazy train, which looks like it derailed inside my house.
Then I turned on the radio, and a verse from Amy Grant spoke expressed exactly the thoughts I was feeling…
” …December comes then disappears
Faster and faster every year
Did my own mother keep this pace
Or was the world a different place?
Where people stayed home wishing for snow
Watching three channels on their TV
Look at us now rushing around
Trying to buy Christmas peace
I need a silent night, a holy night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a silent night
To end this crazy day with a silent night.”
And I was reminded that the world wouldn’t stop spinning if I didn’t accomplish much today.
So, I didn’t start a new project, and I didn’t finish up any projects I had already started.
I gave myself a pass today.
The shopping, projects and baking will still be there tomorrow.
Wishing you all a Silent Night,
If you’d like to hear “I Need a Silent Night”, you can watch it on YouTube HERE.
This post contains an Amazon affiliate link for the Amy Grant Christmas Collection cd.
I’m no where near done shopping either. Christmas cards either…. Oh dear – thankfully my Christmas Spirit need not depend on these things (but not sure how others will feel if Christmas comes and I’ve nothing for them to open). Beginning to wonder how Jesus feels about how we’re spending His day…
I bet He’s wondering what the heck we’re doing.
Christmas can be ‘crazy’ if we let it be that way but we lose the spirit of Christmas and the pleasure of the season … I learned the hard way. Now our Christmas preparations are laid back and very enjoyable and there is time to reflect on the real meaning of Christmas. I like to have my Christmas sewing and stitching done by December 1st and anything that I work on in December is usually for the next year – this is for my own silent night. Merry Christmas!
So true, Kate. I used to be a lot more organized and worked on Christmas presents throughout the year, which was less stressful. I need to start doing that again.
I love that verse! It is so true and really speaks mountains about my feelings lately. I don’t have a blog but I subscibe to a lot of beautiful ones ( including yours!). I find myself feeling somewhat inadequate about my house and my decorations although I think I do a very nice job and so do my friends. However when I see the myriad of pictures on the internet and pinterest and Instagram ( and those are only a handful) I sometimes wonder if this technical internet world/ social media world is somewhat taking away from not only the Christmas season but all of the other seasons/ holidays that we celebrate. I find myself longing for and even aching for the days when I was a little girl and the way we used to spend our days and time without technology. I feel sorry for the kids today because they are really missing out on a lot. Sorry to be so long winded I normally don’t post any comments but this truly struck a chord with me. Thank you I enjoyed this post! Merry Christmas to you and your family!!
I think a lot of people feel that way, Melanie. Most people love magazines, blogs and Pinterest to get ideas, but it’ easy to start feeling inadequate about our own homes, if we’re not careful. Wishing you a Merry Christmas also! 🙂
I needed a Silent Night today – thanks for the YouTube link Angie. 10 days until Christmas and I haven’t spent one relaxing evening cuddled in a warm blanket with a hot chocolate watching holiday movies yet. Before I know it, it’ll be over and I haven’t taken any time to STOP and enjoy the season. Crazy!
Marie, I’m wishing a warm, snuggly, movie watching, Silent Night for you! 🙂
I feel too! This year has slipped away! Ten days till Christmas! What happened .? I’m not even wrapped yet! Yikes! God! Grant us peace! right?
LOL – I wish wrapping was all I had left to do, Cindy – I do most of the shopping, so my hubby gets the wrapping job!
this year has flown…many ups and some downs….medical expenses that we did not count on…but what are you going to do…we are both doing well now…so it’s all good…I do believe God does NOT give more than we can handle…our gift giving list is short…so it’s all done and wrapped or mailed…trees are up and last 2 cards mailed yesterday…just pulled 2 heavenly smelling loaves of bread out of the oven for the dressing on Christmas day….so it’s all good…our oldest is flying in from San Diego…so we will be together….as our youngest and her family live about 1/2 mile away…so it’s all good….I keep saying that…
Since we have to travel at Christmas, by this date I’ve already moved into “next year” mode. So I’ve got sad little piles of supplies I got out for each project I meant to complete this year. The good news is I did get some things finished this year. The other good news is I have projects ready for next year! Have a Merry Christmas Angie!
I am retired so you would think it should be easier for me,but i swear the days get shorter every year.ha! I have programs to go to for my grandchildren and half of my presents bought and wrapped,so all i really have left is some baking. I think we need two months in between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Good for you Angie! Take a night off…you deserve it!
Beautiful song! I think it may be the cry of so many of us. The real reason for the season, our Savior’s birth. We want it all to be so special for our families. And if we don’t get that extra present bought or the fudge made, you know what? It is still special for our families. I’m taking a deep breath and slowing down to enjoy the moment. Thanks, Angie.
I love when I hear this song on the radio too. Helps me to stay grounded and take a deep breath and remember what the priorities are. Keep that music playing and stay focused. Keep the list short and simple. It looks like you always do a great job. Thanks for being real!
Beautiful song, beautiful sentiment. God stopped us in our tracks this year. My husband had a massive heart attack on November 30. He was “supposed” to die. For whatever reason, God saw fit to grant our family a miracle this year, and started healing my husband’s heart. I am in such awe of God’s people all over the world having prayed for us. I knew we would be okay even if he died, but so happily amazed to receive the gift of my husband’s life. So even though we have our own to-do list still uncompleted, our priorities have been straightened out and this is easily the best Christmas we’ve ever had!
Oh Michelle,
Thank you for sharing that. I’m thankful with you that God spared your husband, and has gifted you with another Christmas together!
I think we all need to take time out for ourselves once-in-a-while to restore our souls. Christmas, in particular, tends to be a crazy time of year…all that rushing around without taking care of oneself can spell disaster. I always say that, if I don’t take care of myself, who is going to be there to take care of my loved ones…so, I don’t consider it selfish to make myself a priority because, by doing so, I am ensuring I will be in good health to look after those that depend upon my care. I am sooooo glad to know you are taking time out to look after yourself, Angie…this is something I promise you will never regret doing!