Thursday, December 15, 2011

Creating the day


As I drop the kids off at school and talk with other parents, or make small talk with folks at the gym, or smile and exchange pleasantries with the grocery clerk, the talk always is something about being ready for the holidays.  And what a busy time of year it is.  You know what I'm talking about.  I bet you have dozens of these same conversations everyday in December as well.

But, interestingly enough, though I participate in these conversations, the weight and urgency behind them hasn't settled on me this year.  I don't feel pressured for time.  I don't feel pushed to create a perfect holiday memory for my children.  I don't feel compelled to bake more or make more or even to be sure that Christmas music is softly wafting through the house. 

Rather, I'm walking through my days and truly enjoying them.  Happy to take my girl on her field trip to see a stage play.  Content to make goodies to send for class parties.  Satisfied walking the dogs late in the afternoon with the kids.  Binding a quilt on the kitchen floor.  Anxiously waiting for family to hurry up and get here already.

Ever eat a push up popsicle?



You know.  The kind of popsicle that isn't on a stick but rather encased in waxy paper where you rip off the top and push the popsicle up from the bottom as you eat it?  And sometimes you try to suck every bit of juice out of the frozen concoction leaving it almost colorless.  Then, and only then, do you bite it and slowly let the ice melt in your mouth?

That's kinda me this December. 



And most Decembers actually as I look back on this similar post from last year.

So, as I enjoy the season  . . . and suck every last bit of goodness out of it . . . I may be somewhat absent from this space.  But in my best estimation, that's exactly the way it should be.

-dana

8 comments:

Shelly said...

I feel the same way. Just takin' everything day by day. I try to do that every December. And while I still have deadlines, I'm not frantic. It's time to enjoy family and friends, and a bit slower pace to end up the year.

DebbyMc said...

Fantastic post! Just what I needed. I did enjoy it last night when DH and I drove to the tree lot, went up to a tree, looked it over for about 30 seconds and said, "It's fine let's get it." What I enjoyed and remember most? Filling my lungs with Christmas tree smell, feeling the cold, crisp air, and the way the colorful lights were twinkling on the shed where we paid =-) Very low-key here this year, the way I like it!! What gets done, gets done; what doesn't get done, oh well...

Unknown said...

Beautiful post as I sit here glancing out the window watching the young deer come up to the side of the house for a snack.

It's good to be low-key sometimes and just enjoy.

Enjoy your holiday making memories and quilting.

Jacque. said...

What a good feeling I got reading your post today, Dana. YAY for you...being relaxed...enjoying the season...taking things as they come. I think I'll be remembering this for awhile. And, I know exactly what you mean by everyone talking about how busy they are and how much they have left to do...it surprises me how many people I talk to wonder if I've seen any elk lately!

Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Artfulife said...

Loving the newest quilt Dana. Hope you guys have the very happiest of holidays!

Dirt Road Quilter said...

Toasting you with my push-up popsicle!

QuiltNut Creations said...

such a great comparison. Merry Christmas Dana!

brown robin said...

Happy Holidays! Wishing you all joy and peace. xoxo, Heather