We woke up Monday morning to a sense of relaxation. No big plans. Nothing really going on. We keep a pretty relaxed schedule around here to begin with. I work very hard not to over schedule us. It's not practical with only one car and Ray working as catering coordinator (aka the guy who delivers the catering). Plus I have learned that keeping a flexible schedule - one with plenty of room for spontaneity and allowing for quiet days in between busy ones - really helps me keep my emotions in line. The same way a good dose of structure keeps me from wallowing down into a depressed couch potato, a healthy heap of nothing planned gives my soul room to breathe and enjoy the moments.
This has been a great week for striking that balance between structure and flexibility. Without school to order our days I worried (subconsciously) that we would get lost and overwhelmed (by what? I don't really have a name for it). But I put some effort into planning our days, sketched out some ideas of what we could do (even though we ended up doing none of it!) and thought ahead to what needed to be done so we could get ahead and be prepared. I think that extra touch of thinking ahead has really helped this week feel relaxed.
The holidays are always a struggle for me as I battle cynicism, commercialism, balancing all the various activities, all while reflecting on the past year and pondering what the future holds. Add to that the financial stresses of gifts (which I truly love to give!!) and molding three little characters to be grateful and generous and awestruck by all that is the Holiday Season and it's easy to see why I might need a little chocolate to get me through! But I do love them. For whatever reason, everything feels a little more real this time of year. The world takes a break to recognize the importance of family (even if it is just to sell you a car). The magic that starts building when the air first cools down explodes - transforming everything into a wonderland where we look for ways to enjoy one another and we ask kids to stay kids just a little bit longer.
Thanksgiving is the start of the Christmas season. Not because of Black Friday or Cyber Monday or because it's the time we allow ourselves to listen to Christmas music. It's the first week of last weeks of the year and everyone, whether they understand it or not, is tuned in to restoration. Relationships, resolutions, family, togetherness...we are all about second chances and healing.
I'm looking forward to tomorrow. I think we're off to a good start.
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