Today is the first day of December! How did it get here so quickly? I am so excited about getting ready for the holidays this year. When I was working, I often took the week of Thanksgiving as vacation so I could start getting ready for Christmas. I would start my shopping, write my Christmas letter, and work on my Christmas card list at the same time that I was preparing for Thanksgiving. Now that I am retired, I was able to get all of my shopping done (much of it online and during the November sales) by the middle of November. I was able to spend time researching options and picking the right thing for my family members. I can't wait for them to open their presents this year. I also had my Christmas cards printed, my letter written, and my list mostly updated. This was wonderful! As a result, when my husband took vacation during Thanksgiving week, we were able to do other things and not make ourselves crazy. It was great!
I am also excited, because we have the Christmas decorations done outside. The wreaths are hung, the Santa flag is out, and the lights are on the house. There have been many years when my husband and I have been out in the snow, all bundled up, freezing to death while we put the lights on the house. This year it was in the 40's and was very pleasant. I am so enjoying the decorations!
For the first time in many years, I am looking forward to decorating the house and the tree in a leisurely fashion. I can't wait to make candy and Christmas cookies. I am excited to start wrapping presents. There are so many things that I enjoy doing when I have enough time. I finally have it. This year, I am not feeling driven to get things done quickly. There is no panic that I am running out of time or that I have so much to do. I am not exhausted as I partake of holiday festivities. I am finally able to BE in the moment and enjoy the preparations. I can do things for me, because I enjoy it-not because I feel like I HAVE to do it.
I know that I am very fortunate to have this opportunity! For those of you who are in danger of getting caught up in the holiday frenzy, I hope that you will be able to find a moment to pick something that you really enjoy doing and BE in the moment. Enjoy it, laugh, relish the activity, and have fun with family!
Enjoy the holidays and be joyful!
Have you found your joy today?
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