With the big day only days away, I found myself rushing around doing my usual five steps back, two steps ahead routine.
And, so to actually sit down and have a two-hour coffee with a special friend seemed entirely out of the question.
In fact, ridiculous.
But, that’s what I did.
And I have to say when I got back to my little routine of rushing here, there and everywhere, and in-between times looking for my keys, my wallet and my glasses, for some reason I felt a certain kind of calmness.
And for that I am most grateful.
It is weird how your perception of the world can do a complete reverse turn when you sit quietly with a friend and talk about anything and everything and, even for a few moments, nothing very much at all.
I know what Christmas is supposed to be.
I know that it is supposed to be about peace on earth, kindness towards all and love for all of mankind.
And I know what Christmas is not supposed to be.
I know it’s not supposed to be about shifting into high gear and getting it all done. On second thought, perhaps, just a tiny bit of it can be about that!
But still, every year it seems what I know to be true goes out the window and what I think takes over.
I think I can.
I think I can find the time to do more baking that looks and smells wonderfully like Christmas perfection.
I think I can spend less money and not almost go into cardiac arrest when I check my bank account.
I think I won’t hold my breath each time I purchase something until the ‘approved’ word kicks in on bank machine.
I think I can buy everyone the perfect gift and watch their faces light up with joy when they tear open the wrapping paper and discover that perfect gift inside.
I think I can learn every song in the Christmas carol book on the piano and play each one perfectly.
I think I won’t occasionally get short tempered and snap at people and/or animals.
I think I won’t eat too many chocolates and fall asleep on the couch with the supper dishes still on the table.
I think I won’t. I think I can. I think I won’t. I think I can.
But here it is Dec. 24 and once again, the sad realization of what I know to be true has hit me.
I can’t.
But still, every year I try.
And I have to say that as much as I am a slow learner there are truly moments at Christmas that simply fill my heart with old fashioned gladness.
And, fortunately for me, those moments are not conditional on what I have done or not done.
One such moment, (well, actually many moments comprised into a two-hour time frame) was taking time for coffee with a friend.
When I returned from my coffee, I found Christmas still waiting for me right where I left it and, also, much to my delight, the sky had not fallen and my world seemed pretty much the same as I had left it.
And, for some reason when I tackled the endless list of tasks, it seemed easier.
Now that Christmas is almost come and gone I would like to do one more thing.
I would like to express a most heartfelt, humble thank you, to you, my readers.
Thank you for taking the time to read the written words that I somehow manage to sort out into a column of sorts from the jumble of thoughts that constantly fight for attention in my brain.
Thanks for being there.
Thanks for giving me your time.
I truly hope that each and everyone of you experiences your own special moments of joy and happiness during this Christmas season.
And somehow I know you will.
I just feel it.
And so bye for now. God bless!
See you in the new year!