Almost Here!

My sister and I visit Santa in 1953
I'm on Santa's lap

Just a few days and Christmas will be here.  It’s about time to make a last minute Christmas focus list.  On what do I want to offer my emotions, strength and time?  So, here is my list:

remember the real “Reason for the Season”

finish chores as early in the day as possible, to free my time for loved ones

enjoy and chat with each adult and child I visit or meet through happenstance

approach each visit or event with abundant patience

take pictures, lots of pictures

laugh and smile every chance I get

sing Christmas carols and songs with my grandchildren

make memories, memories, memories

Homemade Christmas Napkin Rings

Fun, giggles and chatting were the result of a special afternoon with my granddaughter, Sydney, several years ago.  We made handmade Christmas bell napkin rings.  Actually we began using them on our Thanksgiving napkins, so that they could be enjoyed throughout the season.

I don’t even remember where I found this idea, but it is simple and inexpensive.  I purchased a bag of bells and red pipe cleaners.  I had some left-over colored beads from another craft adventure, so we added some to a few of the rings.  We simply threaded the bells on the pipe cleaner, bent to form a circle, then carefully tucked the wire ends of the cleaner into the soft furry material on each.  Not only are our Christmas napkin rings cute, they ring out tones of Christmas joy as we place each one on the napkin.     

Day to Day Little Things

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.  I’ve wrapped and mailed Christmas gifts destined for grandchildren several states away.  Christmas teapots are situated throughout my home.  As I sit at the piano I’m playing old Christmas favorites. “Here comes Suzy Snowflake, dressed in her snow white gown…., what fun!

Years ago I stressed over the shopping, baking, and planning.  Those days are gone; for the most part, I try to enjoy the little things about preparing for Christmas.  All the little things building up to another memory-making holiday are a chance to smile.  Whether I over-bake my thumbprint cookies or not, doesn’t matter in the least.    Forgotten details haven’t ruined a family Christmas yet.  Wrong-sized clothing gifts are exchangeable.  Who cares that my home-made gift has stitches straying from the intended seam!

 What matters to me is the giggle of a precious little one.  And, that special glance my husband, Joe, sends my way while opening his gift.  Especially treasured is hearing my Mom laugh when she’s tickled by something said by a grandchild or great-grandchild.   In addition, I permit myself to linger over mental, heart-warming memories of childhood Christmases with my two sisters and brother.  Even that famous Christmas my sister expected an engagement ring and got a powder/soap set.  Now we laugh with her, then we cried with her.  Yes, for me, it is all about the little things that add up to a future, heart-warming memory.