Now Where Did I Put 'It'?

“There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child."  ~Erma Bombeck

Holidays are the epitome of anticipation, excitement, frustration, exhaustion, and hope bundled up into one big emotion that if thought about too much, would make a soul want to crawl under the covers and hide until the New Year arrived.  Add to that wish lists from your children that cause you to upend the Pepto Bismol in your search for the items on the coveted list, expectations from 'the world' that you do everything with a flourish (i.e., decorate your home to resemble something out of Southern Living, bake delicious concoctions for work and friends, and host fantastic get-togethers), and the mind, body, and spirit becomes drained.

What is 'it' that seems to be missing?  'It' is the 'Spirit of the Season' of course.  You seem to remember having it last year, last month, or even last week.  But 'it' seems to be missing now.  Where did you put 'it'?  As a mom with two full-time jobs (one paying dividends throughout your life as you raise your children; the other paying bi-monthly as you survive the costs of living day-to-day), responsibilities to keep everyone on schedule, and still ensure the little details (remember that Elf on a Shelf?  Where the heck did you put it last year 'so you'd remember where to find it when Christmas time came around this year'?) become realities, 'it' can seem to be hiding from you at every turn.

How do you find 'it'?  Look around you.  Look at your children's faces every time they 'find the Elf'' in a new location because he's been to the North Pole and back.  Look at the Christmas tree lights at night as you sip hot cocoa after everyone has gone to bed.  Look up and around you at church on Sunday mornings at the Crismon tree, the Nativity scene displays, and the beautifully handmade Advent banners.  But most importantly, look within yourself.  Look inside to find those memories of holidays past where you're helping your grandmother butter the homemade rolls, stir the corn, and fill the glasses full of homemade sweet tea for Christmas dinner.  The memories of waking on Christmas morning to find lovely trinkets in your stocking from Santa that you didn't know you wanted, but once you had them knew they were perfect gifts.  The memories of participating in the holiday church services - attend those services, remember, and dig deep to find 'it'.

Do these things so that when you awake Christmas morning, you feel the anticipation with your children of finding out what Santa brought down that chimney.  Remember the family and friends you love so dearly and are most fortunate enough to spend your days with; and most importantly, remember what it feels like to have the wonder of a child at all the bright lights, the beautifully wrapped gifts, and the reason for this season - Christ was born to us this day.  The 'Spirit of the Season' will come back to you ten-fold.

Peace.  Love.  Merry Christmas.