how I celebrate the season

Whether you celebrate Christmas or any other holiday religious or seasonal – this time of year can be hard. From past experiences to current circumstances there is an awful lot of baggage that seems to turn up. It is up to each of us to decide what roll we want to play, and what attitude we will have about the season.

We celebrate the season here in my house. Small things, little gatherings, meals, traditions, and fun sprinkled throughout. We don’t put any pressure on any one day on the calendar.  Many years ago I figured out that sprinkling this month with gatherings, giving, and happy details was the way that works best.  This year some things got cut (due to illness and/or time), and that is ok. It happens – it doesn’t have to ruin the whole season.

I find that I am happiest when I am able to share small bits of happy with others. Our baking is limited – we did mixes/premade dough and grandpa’s famous fudge- but handing out plates of cookies to neighbors was fantastic. Smiles and chats with some people who live so near yet we connect with so rarely.

We finished the Lego advent calendars today because the girls wanted to be able to play with all the guys today – a quiet pajamas stay home day. The girls also know what we’re giving them for Christmas because they picked it (playstation) and it is a group gift.

Years ago I threw out a lot of traditional ways of thinking, expectations, and “the way it must be”. The truth is there is no one right or wrong way, and you don’t “have” to do anything. By approaching this and every December with the outlook that every opportunity is a gift and that I get to pick and decide anything I do (or don’t) want to be a part of it helps me keep the focus on the season, the true spirit, and the joy that can be this time of year.

Right now I’m going to go take the dog for a walk then create some new projects for Ranger Ink and find another drawer to clear out here in the studio. Despite the hustle and bustle of the season so often my favorite days in December are ones that I can carve out to be quiet and relaxed.