growing together
Finding peace in the holidays By Chris Worthy WNC Parent columnist
Living in magazine time means I am always on the verge of creating a gash in the spacetime continuum, and this holiday season is no different. Or maybe it is. For the first time in years, I am wrapping up the holiday must-do list far in advance. As I write this, Halloween is nigh, but my local grocery store put out the Christmas sprinkles and holiday goodies two weeks ago. I could have bought an artificial Christmas tree, lights and ornaments right alongside the back-to-school gear. I snarled my best Ebenezer at the early displays, but then I decided to embrace the absurdly early holiday spirit.
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Years ago, B.C. (before children), my Christmas shopping was finished by Election Day. And then I had children. And then we home-schooled. Life became a series of fires to put out. While I stopped sending Christmas cards years ago, I am taking back some of my traditions this year and regaining my Christmas spirit in the process. Shopping in crowds steals my joy, so the UPS guy and I are becoming fast friends. With a click, I can order what I need and it arrives on my doorstep. If I need a gift that’s handmade, I can order that from a family owned business that sells through a little Etsy storefront. If I enter a store, it is because I want to, not because I feel pressured to do so. Delegating or finding an easier way to do the things that suck my time and energy leaves me with greater opportunities to do what I love. I can — along with my children — serve others. I can have
friends over and serve them homemade treats. I have plenty of time to craft some special gifts, and not finish them in the car on the way to the home of the recipient. (Not that I’ve ever done that. Ahem.) Most of all, home can be a haven for my family and all who enter. The mood will, I hope, reflect my joy found in the season. I have searched the Internet for recipes and crafty happiness. I will do what I can and let the rest wait for another year. It won’t be perfect, by most standards, but it will be peaceful and filled with love. On Christmas Eve, there will be carrots on the back steps, reindeer food in the yard and kids sleeping peacefully, with visions of sugar plums (or Xbox games) in their heads. And their mom will be pretty peaceful, too. Peace, joy, love and goodwill to all — and every blessing in the year to come. Contact Chris at chris@worthyplace.com.
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