art of letting go

This Christmas I am learning the fine art of letting go. I have had to decide which things are a priority and then just cut out the rest. Usually I run myself ragged at Christmas striving to make everything just perfect. This year, I don’t have the time, head space or inclination to add a single activity, tradition or side dish to my list that doesn’t have significant value. So far I’ve scratched Christmas cards, cute handmade gifts for our family members, the almond rocca and Christmas relish I make every year for our friends and half of my annual baking list. Staying up until midnight every night in December to get it all done is just not worth it this year. My sanity is up for grabs and I’m desperately trying to maintain ownership!

I’ve also pretty much cut Christmas shopping off my list too! If I can’t buy it online and have it delivered to my front door or pick it up at the grocery store or Walmart then I’m not buying it! This has been a challenge since I don’t like to buy gifts just for the sake of buying something. I think we have managed to come up with meaningful gifts that I didn’t have to tromp all over creation to get.

I’ve also been trying to be more relaxed about involving our kids. For some people this is a no brainer but since I struggle with perfectionism, it’s tough for me. Yesterday we were snowed in (so much for my family birthday supper!) so we spent the day hanging out as a family doing “Christmasy” things. The kids and I baked sugar cookies. Normally I would ice them after the kids go to bed so that the icing would be “just so”. I wasn’t going to get around to icing them that night so after supper I whipped up a bowl of icing and then plunked the kids down at the table with a stack of cookies and a small bowl of icing each. I showed them about how much icing to put on each cookie and then let them do it. Know what? They did a great job and they were so proud of themselves! The cookies aren’t perfect but since Martha Stewart is not featuring them on her show, I think it will be just fine! I also have a sneaking suspicion that Grandma and Grandpa will like them better because the kids made them.

I am enjoying the Christmas season a lot more because I am focusing on what is important: Jesus, my husband and children, our families and friends. It is a relief not to be caught up in the rush of consumerism and craziness that is out there. I’m enjoying the look of pure joy on my kids faces as they layer a fifth ornament on one puny little branch on our tree. It is good to simplify and let go. But don’t think for one second that I’m going to let you get away with trying a new stuffing recipe dear husband. I’m not that relaxed!

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