Raise your hand if you’re a bit burned out and Searching For The Quiet Days of Christmas.
Searching For The Quiet Days of Christmas
It can often happen this time of year.
We can believe that there is simply too much to do in too little time.
Two months ago I made the decision to take a 6 week semester off from college.
Trying to maintain a happy home life along with straight A’s had worn me out completely. To try and do it during the holidays seemed overwhelming.
It was a decision I agonized over and shed a few tears. The decision meant that it would now be that much longer before I graduated. But what I have learned is that I am glad that I said “No.”
Because it has allowed me to really be present for my family and for others.
That in and of itself has been a gift.
My goal was to have the commercial portion of Christmas finished by Tuesday, December 15th.
Cards sent, gifts wrapped, house decorated. You know, what the retailers/media tell us we’re SUPPOSED to do.
Then, I was going to focus on the real Christmas.
The third Sunday of Advent
What I found out is that when you live your life like a whirling dervish it can be hard to stop.
By Thursday I was overcome, even confused, by the quiet.
I continue to ask for grace in accepting the peace and quiet so that I may prepare my heart.
A heart ready for the true Christmas.
I know I need this.
Perhaps you do too.
Today is the third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday. The Angel’s candle, also known as the Joy candle, will be lit.
May your inner joy candle be lit and shine for all to see.
Laura
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Let your forbearance be known to all, for the Lord is near at hand; have no anxiety about anything, but in all things, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God. Lord, you have blessed your land; you have turned away the captivity of Jacob.” ~ Philippians 4:4~6
I have been trying to find a few minutes to really sit back and enjoy the true meaning of Christmas, but you're right, it is not easy. The kids' schedules do not pause for moments of quiet contemplation! It is hard to ferret them out, but I am trying…Merry Christmas to you!
Gotta admit. I too am a bit burned out with all the glitz…
Brenda
So beautifully said. We soon lose the meaning of Christmas when we get caught up in the commercial hype. This year I cut way back and it is becoming my favorite one so far.
Merry Christmas
Nonie
Yes this can be such a busy time of year for us all. I still have last minute things to do this week. I do hope you have a Merry Christmas!!
Julie
Thanks for the lovely reminder to stop and just hear the quiet. I, too, stopped preparation earlier than I ever have and I'm so glad I did. You can only do so much, anyway. May you and your family have a blessed and happy holiday season! xoKathleen
It can be hard to sit in stillness this time of year. Even when I'm prepared ahead of time, I second-guess the gifts I've bought, wish I'd decorated differently, feel like I haven't done the preparations “right”. It's a shame that so many of us (I speak for myself here) are so influenced by the commercialism. Thank you for your wisdom.
I can remember the hectic days when my girls were young. That was back before the commercialization of the holidays became obscene. You were very wise to take some time off from your classes. Happy Christmas to you and yours!
I think holiday prep rarely goes as planned. And with Christmas, that can be sad as we lose sight sometimes of what the celebrating should really be about. Still, we want to make our loved ones happy so we push ourselves. No easy answers here. Just try to stay calm and maintain a sense of clarity.
Merry Christmas, Laura!
Jane x
You always accomplish so much more than most of us. I hope you relax and enjoy this week.
I do know what you mean, though I think you do often accomplish much more than the rest of us too. I mean, I was never straight A's and have been happy with daughter just creeping by in her community college with average grades. I have actually been done shopping since early November out of necessity because I have to stretch things out between all of the autumn paychecks to cover all of our birthdays and the Christmas gifts and I'm just always months ahead with most all that I do. But…. all that being shared, I DO know what you mean, because even though I'm all ready, it's very hard to SLOW things down and savor the moments, especially right now, this week. I then begin to feel frustrated (even with nearly 3 weeks off for a work vacation). Even then.
I understand how overwhelming it can be. this year I decided to take a break from the Christmas fenzy. I made very simple gift that I bought in nearby shops… People might not like them, but they might also not like those who took me hours to drive to get! I decided not to fret over any Christmas outfit and to wear my regular cloths, anyway even when I try I can never compete with my cousins and the only thing I stress about is the weather fr the days I need to drive!
Merry peaceful Christmas to you!
May Peace and Joy be yours this holy season and beyond, Laura.
Merry Christmas, sweet blogging friend. ♥
I totally raise my hand to this! Everything is so overwhelming that instead of being grateful for the Holiday Season, the opposite happens becasue we feel rushed. Thank you for sharing this and good for you for making the right decision. I really enjoyed this post Laura. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to you and your family. xoxo
Laura, I so agree about slowing down right now. I honestly don't know how you do it all ~ so much with a family, classes, etc. It's wonderful that you elected not to participate in school this past semester.
I've been extremely frustrated re: not feeling 100% and a few other things. I decided to just *stop* and focus on the reason for the season. I'm not pushing myself to decorate, bake, run here and there, etc. If the Christmas Police stop by, I'm not opening the door! 🙂
Wishing you a relaxing week and the ability to find the calm that you so deserve. Light candles, have a cup of tea/coffee/cocoa, read, watch movies and enjoy this holy season.
Merry Christmas!
Pat
Beautiful words, Laura. Thank you for sharing your heart. Yes, it's easy to get overwhelmed and then not really know what to do with silence. Our world is so noisy and busy. Praying that you will have a very blessed and merry Christmas.