We’re in between the third and the fourth phases of Christmas. First phase is preparation. Second phase is the actual celebration. Third phase is reflection and fourth is recovery. I tend to linger in the reflection phase, when I should be diving headlong into getting the house back to normal.
It’s 6:00 a.m. and I’ve been awake since 4:30, waiting for sleep to intervene. In my prior life (before cancer) sleeplessness meant that something was worrying me or I had too much to accomplish or too much caffeine. Now, sleeplessness is a recurring part of my life. Sometimes it comes from a cough. (I’m not a doctor but I think there is a connection between coughing and the loss of a duodenum.) Sometimes it comes from a surprise nap in the evening. I often wonder if it sometimes just comes along with age. It always results in random thoughts. And then comes the challenge to arrange those thoughts into some kind of sense.
Looking back at Christmas, I realize that every year seems to have a theme in our family. Most would not recognize it… but if you look for it, it’s there. There is always the theme of family. It is usually the only time of year when we (the original 5 plus the additions) can spend some time all together. Somethings that is counted in days. This year it was hours as people came and went to other gatherings. Several years ago when we were rich (aka as “both employed”) the Christmas theme was “taking the family to Hawaii”. This year it is “taking the family to Tennessee” where we hope to spend some time together before Stephani and Ken leave for China. Like so many other families we are so spread out that we have to intentionally work to spend time together.
Another theme was a conscious resolve to encourage this year. We looked for ways to use the gifting process to become encouragers. From the 12-year-old girl whose name we picked off the Angel Tree at church to the Salvation Army bell-ringer, we hoped that the gifts had purpose. Sometimes it was a note we included with the gift. Sometimes we just tried to do the unexpected.
And we also received encouragement. A dinner invitation. A neighbor’s gift of a pie (minus one slice for testing:-) ). The smile of an aunt. Our families’ willingness to spend time together. Those lovely Christmas letters that I love. It all works together to make me look forward to next year and to the next theme. I have an idea….
Who says you “should” be getting the house back in order? What’s the hurry? I always hated to put everything away so soon, so lately I’ve been doing it in stages. The stockings & other blatant Christmas items go around the same time as the tree & needle-dropping garland, but then I leave the poinsettias & festive glassware out for at least January. I consider them “winter decor.”
Yes, I know it’s not very efficient, but it’s worth it to me because I don’t want the house to be suddenly bare for the long winter. The winter seems easier to bear if I have festive things around for awhile longer. In fact, I’ve just been thinking that I may yet watch for another couple pieces of winter decor to add to my collection – even tho’ it doesn’t fit with our push to down-size.
Great idea. And it gives me just the excuse I needed. Now, what do I do about that feeling that there is just too much “stuff” around and the need to start the process of “pruning” that hits me every year about this time? Therapy, perhaps?
Oh, yah, the pruning. We’re hitting that pretty hard. Some of it is painful, but most of it feels good. And I’m not planning to run out & pick up new things to replace those I’m pitching. I’m just thinking that I like this idea as sort of a theme for any new pieces I might get in the future – perhaps snowmen or some other winter theme. I dunno’
BTW, I like the way you articulated the four phases of Christmas. I’ve tended to think of the holiday season as one big sequence – which is why I was saying “happy holidays” long before the PC debate began. Aummmm. Please don’t report me to the religion police.
But yah, Thanksgiving set the stage well with an attitude of … well, thankfulness & giving thanks. Then comes the advent and all the celebration that Christmas means. And then as you so aptly labeled reflection time – which has included for me looking back & looking forward – thinking both about my personal life, but also about global history & God’s purposes.
A snow theme fits nicely for the new year celebration decor theme – signifying new life and fresh starts – however, my hubby may not be too pleased about anything having to do with snow. He’s tired of the stuff & would rather avoid it. Hmmm…
Yeah, Happy Holidays can be such an inclusive greeting and not meant to leave Christ out of Christmas. Perhaps it becomes just another chance to correct people and/or feel superior spiritually. Maybe we should just give everyone a pass and the benefit of the doubt…believing they have good intentions.
I loved being there to see the cheesecake minus one slice delivered!!! Priceless.
It was delicious. Did we even offer you a piece?
Haven’t stopped by your “place” in awhile. Glad life’s travels are taking you in the lane you are in these days. Blessings to you and Jerry in 2011!
Yes, we’re enjoying this lane… as are you from what I read in your account of the VanHuisen life. Even in this cold, snowy land we live in, it’s easy to be grateful.
Karin – It is so good to hear from you! You sound so strong and healthy! Peace to you in the upcoming year! Ann