Every year at Christmas time...I drop all the rituals and routines that keep me sane the rest of the year and dive head first into the zaniness and craziness of creating Christmas.
And Creating Christmas is just the right term for it. I haven't decided whether it's the right way or the wrong way of doing it-- all I know is that it is the only way I know to be. I've tried not creating -- but it doesn't last for long...it doesn't take much for the muse to overtake me and I'm back to my old ways...
I know. I read and hear all the messages about simplifying Christmas...and that sounds great...for someone else. See, deep down inside, I don't think I want Christmas to be simple. I thrive on the frenzy...and the creativity....and I just keep decorating, baking and making things until my time runs out...
Christmas, for me, is one of the most creative times of the year. Time to create decorations, create cookies and create gifts for those I love. For me, it is stimulation overload -- ideas on TV, ideas at your friends' houses, ideas I've saved up all year long just for this moment...Who can sleep??
You would think I could just find a recipe for holiday decorating that worked and just repeat that every year. But I just can't. I just can't do the same thing twice. It's just not in me. I try to put the same wreath over the mantle...but then it gets a new bow because last year I did red and this year I want silver...
Every year, new ideas storm through my brain willing my hands to make them happen. And I let it flow...
And every year, I exhaust myself trying to get too much done in too little time.
And I stop exercising. I stop yoga. I stop stitching on projects that are "me", that sing to my spirit, and begin stitching exclusively on projects for presents. And somewhere in all that...though I enjoy most of the process...I drain my battery.
So, I'm admitting it. I've done it again. Here I am on December 16, with nine days left until Christmas, having not exercised or picked up a needle to stitch in weeks. And sure, it's probably nothing that a double shot espresso skinny eggnog latte won't fix but...
For the next week, I'm going to try something new. Instead of giving up those things I need to feed my soul, I'm going to do those things first.
I'm going to make sure I exercise every day and that I stitch on my bead journal project for one hour every day -- and I'll use any remaining spare time to prepare for Christmas...
Oh! And see these pink glitter poinsettias? They are inspiring my latest bead journal which I'll introduce to you tomorrow.
I wonder. Will it be true that I'll have more energy by staying committed to exercising every day? And will my spiritual and mental health be better staying true to my meditative stitching time?
I'll let you know what I find out...but I'm curious about you? Is there anyone out there like this...or am I all alone and in need of rehab??
OK, I'm off to go walking...and then to wrap the presents and pack the boxes to be mailed to Texas...
And tomorrow I should be able to report on one hour of stitching time...hmmm....
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Creating Christmas: Batteries not Included
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11 comments:
Although I think it is glorious to revel in the Christmas spirit, I can relate to the wanting to do too much. I hope you can stick with your resolution to take care of yourself first.
Me, too! At least most years... this year not so much because I am trying to finish this quilt... I think I might make it!
You have some beautiful things there as a result of your Christmas frenzy... lovely.
Yes - you sound just like me!!! Trying to cram all of those hand-made pressies in (like knitting too long scarves and stitching much too big projects) and finally running out of time and energy. It's the same every year, and every year I promise myself that I'll start sooner and be more organised but then come November/December all of these glorious ideas flood the brain and overdrive kicks in - lol - and it's the simple truth that there is nothing more special than a hand made gift.
You should definitely make time for your yoga and I can't wait to see your bead journal. Let us know how it works out for you - and all of your frenzy looks stunning!!! Hugs Shell x
You're right this is a crazy time of year! Choir definitely keeps our interesting, but our special Sunday is past and the boxes mailed, so now to decorate a bit. Haven't baked a thing but did manage to burn up a batch of brownies! Hope you had a nice walk.
Love your concept of Creating Christmas! So true! I tend to simplfy things a bit more each year, but I still revel in the preparations and though I tend to stick to similar themes, each year it gets put together differently. Each year I package presents differently, but with a theme of sorts and I love figuring out what each year's concept will be.
Funny you should mention exercise as I choose this season to start my walking program!
I can't do the same thing from year to year either. And I gobble up those gorgeous Christmas ideas magazines like some kind of junkie. I devour them and always fall in love with some new thing that I just HAVE to do. Exercise stops, my stitching stops, etc. I'm a woman on a singular mission from Thanksgiving on. Hope you squeeze all the best into your holidays. Your decorations look fantastic! Merry Christmas!!
OK, I'll be the Ying of your Yang. Lowkey and low pressure is the way I do Christmas; but, everyone has to find her own pace.
I used to think it was Christmas that made me depressed but finally figured out it was the short days... Now I just try to get outdoor light and count the days. And I try to make shorter lists in December but HAVE to do something creative every single day to survive.... Gerry
I used to be like you at Christmas. I would start on the day after Thanksgiving by putting up the tree. The lights outside get put up in warmer October, but they can finally be lit on Black Friday.
I used to take EVERYTHING off the walls and shelves and replace it with Christmas decor. Out come my water globe collection. Our collection of animated Christmas cuties...the ski village around the tree...the santa that climbs up and down the ladder...don't forget Mickey's Clock Shop or Snoopy. THEN there is my Christmas Village AND my Nativity collection.
I haven' felt well so I haven't done ALL that this year. Its a bye.
Your decorations are gorgeous! I knew they would be.
Happy Holidays!
I love you so much Susan!!! You glow with spirit and love
Count me as one like you. Christmas creating dominates my time from Thanksgiving until the end of December. I also find I can't have it any other way.
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