Christmas Presence

Tis the season to overfill schedules, eat too many sweets, purchase out of obligation, and basically lose all sense of what the season is truly about. A sense of wonder is too often replaced with one of anxiety this time of year. As I drove through an overflowing mall parking lot recently, I realized it was the last place I wanted to be and asked myself “why are you here?” The voices of obligation and frenzy had taken over when I wasn’t paying attention.

I began to look at the season as a metaphor for life, quickly realizing that unless I remained vigilant in my desire to be present and enjoy it, it would pass in a blur and, come January, I’d be left broke, chubby, and wondering when did 2015 slip through the door?

2014 has been a surprisingly happy year for me and I attribute that entirely to being more present and to letting go of an expectation for how it should be, therefor letting it be what it is. Instead of feeling that my life was living me, I made choices and decisions and could tell you exactly how I’d ended up where I was. That hadn’t been the case for many years prior.

As I look at the faces of children, and adults, in checkout lines and mall parking lots, it seems so obvious that all any of us truly want for Christmas is the presence of those around us and to feel present in our lives.

I truly adore this time of year and don’t want to miss one moment of tamale filling, house decorating, tree trimming, cookie decorating, gift making, fire building, or friend and family visiting time by not being present. There is so much beauty to be found, but only when we remember to look.

Have a Happy and Peaceful Holiday Season!