LESSONS LEARNED THE HARD WAY

Lessons learned from Christmas past...

The month of December was nothing short of a blur...It all began with the annual hunt for the perfect Christmas tree...just so you know there is an unspoken rule in our home that I choose the Christmas tree....(Advice from the late Tasha Tudor) In my opinion this once a year event should not be hurried but savored. I enjoy walking up and down each row of scented balsam... breathing deeply the cold winter air ...the earth blanketed in a sea of white. My husband is in charge of the tape measure and hand saw....this Christmas however, my husband found the perfect tree...I was in charge of the tape measure... there was no sea of white...December became the month of shopping...wrapping...baking...visiting...there was no time to do anything else. Typically we enjoy attending a Christmas concert or play...local craft fairs and touring historic homes decked out in their holiday finest...we watch the old Christmas movies...It's A Wonderful Life being our personal favorite...There is Christmas Eve service to attend and an evening meal to cook and it would not be Christmas without the local tour of holiday lights....Let me state right here right now I did not rush the seasons, no sireeeee... I enjoyed Autumn, Halloween and Thanksgiving...I put a smile on my face and gave them my full attention...Christmas decorations did not appear nor did my beloved Christmas tree (which remained unadorned till the second week of December)...I'm returning to my old ways, ways that work for me...2012 Christmas shopping has begun...Christmas Eve dinner will be made in the crock pot... beef stew and biscuits....I have 11 months to put my hands on It's A Wonderful Life...the dvd that simply vanished... wrapping presents on Christmas Eve...sinful...addressing Christmas cards in July while sitting at the beach....a grand idea...Next Christmas I'll be back to my old ways....this" enjoy the moment" is for the birds....if I am to be stressed out it is going to be on my terms...and the search for the perfect Christmas tree...I realize I don't mind carring the tape measure after all!