Alright, it is that time of the year that we have all been waiting for- Christmas! There are so many things to be done at this time of year. It is often hard to remember everything. Besides the usual traditions, we sometimes try to make new ones, hoping to remember those ideas when the time comes. Every year I tell myself that I am going to make a list. This was the first year, though, that I actually followed through and made my Christmas to-do list. Grabbing a sheet of Christmas stationary, I began writing out my plans. There are things that you know you are going to do and they are so important to you that there really is no need to write it down at all. Then again, it is always fun to check off what is on the list! My list this year consisted of the following: Christmas Pillow Shams
Decorate Christmas Tree
Hang Vintage Christmas Cards
Wrap Presents
Wrap Presents
Make Christmas Cards
Hang Christmas Pictures
Finish Christmas Shopping
Write Christmas List
Work on Christmas Blog
Work on Christmas Board Game (a surprise present for my sister and brother both)
I know that it isn't much, but I must admit that even now as I sit here writing this, it hasn't all been done. Perhaps a to-do list can take away all the fun, but for me it seems to be a helpful tool. With Christmas music playing I made my list, keeping in mind more realistic goals for this Christmas. I keep it hanging on my bulletin board where I can see it each day. Of course, I have to work around my work schedule which really isn't that big a deal. As I work, I find myself day dreaming and falling into that special place where all you can see is your own little Christmas room filled with memories and stories. At times, I imagine myself hosting Christmas parties, serving frosted homemade sugar cookies, wearing my favorite Christmas apron, and my tree glowing while Christmas music plays gently throughout the room. Other times, I imagine myself curled up on a big comfy couch watching the fire glow, a cup of steamy hot chocolate in hand, dressed in my big comfy pajamas. Of course, there are also those times when I see a tiny figure in my arms, pulling at my hair while I stare at that sweet little face all dressed in Christmas clothes. In front of me there is another little one staring over each ornament on the tree with studious eyes and asking "Where did this one come from, Mommy?" just like I remember doing. Stockings are hanging on the mantel (fire
place or not- stockings will hang!) and the Chipmunks are singing at top squeak. I know, I am getting too ahead of myself. My point is, to me, all of this is just practice- the cards, the baking, the sewing, the over-decorating, the tree....everything. All these years, I have watched and admired my mother as she worked so hard to make Christmas a very special time at our home. From the at-home flocking to Jesus' birthday cake, she didn't miss a single detail. We had presents and laughter, list and reindeer food. As we were each let in on that little secret about Santa, we didn't say a word to each other. Our disappointment seemed to fade away as we realized how much fun it had been to believe for that time, and we suddenly wanted nothing more than for the younger one(s) to believe. Keeping each other from peeking and helping each other behave seemed an impossible task when we ourselves felt so weak, yet we followed through each year. It has always been such a happy time at my house, so full of excitement and traditions. Suddenly, the little arguments seem like such trivial things and you don't really care anymore. You smile and say Merry Christmas and count down the days. The older I've gotten, I've definately come up with some thoughts of my own, like doing cards the day after Thanksgiving, wearing Christmas earrings to work no matter what, making bows to wear with my uniform whether it matched or not, humming Christmas jingles, and being sure to say Merry Christmas even to "humbugs". Getting out in the world a little helped me become even more thankful for my family's traditions, especially when it comes to Christmas. I suddenly realized that now is the time to practice, to 
begin to prepare for the task which has almost always fallen on women. For instance, Daddy handles the Christmas lights outside and is always called upon to gather heavy boxes, fix up tree and tackle tree lights, but it is my mother who leads each project within the house. She decides what to bake, which treats to make, which music is called for, where to set what, which cards to
send where, and what theme each card will have. If you have a mother like mine, you know she also spends a good deal of time considering the match between her child and each gift as well as how to wrap them. It really is quite exciting and something I love to think about.
place or not- stockings will hang!) and the Chipmunks are singing at top squeak. I know, I am getting too ahead of myself. My point is, to me, all of this is just practice- the cards, the baking, the sewing, the over-decorating, the tree....everything. All these years, I have watched and admired my mother as she worked so hard to make Christmas a very special time at our home. From the at-home flocking to Jesus' birthday cake, she didn't miss a single detail. We had presents and laughter, list and reindeer food. As we were each let in on that little secret about Santa, we didn't say a word to each other. Our disappointment seemed to fade away as we realized how much fun it had been to believe for that time, and we suddenly wanted nothing more than for the younger one(s) to believe. Keeping each other from peeking and helping each other behave seemed an impossible task when we ourselves felt so weak, yet we followed through each year. It has always been such a happy time at my house, so full of excitement and traditions. Suddenly, the little arguments seem like such trivial things and you don't really care anymore. You smile and say Merry Christmas and count down the days. The older I've gotten, I've definately come up with some thoughts of my own, like doing cards the day after Thanksgiving, wearing Christmas earrings to work no matter what, making bows to wear with my uniform whether it matched or not, humming Christmas jingles, and being sure to say Merry Christmas even to "humbugs". Getting out in the world a little helped me become even more thankful for my family's traditions, especially when it comes to Christmas. I suddenly realized that now is the time to practice, to begin to prepare for the task which has almost always fallen on women. For instance, Daddy handles the Christmas lights outside and is always called upon to gather heavy boxes, fix up tree and tackle tree lights, but it is my mother who leads each project within the house. She decides what to bake, which treats to make, which music is called for, where to set what, which cards to send where, and what theme each card will have. If you have a mother like mine, you know she also spends a good deal of time considering the match between her child and each gift as well as how to wrap them. It really is quite exciting and something I love to think about. No time left to consider it tonight, though. It is late and time is wasting. Sleep calls, rest needed, so much work to be done! :)
Merry Christmas!
Paige
I love how memories of Christmas make you feel all gushy inside, don't you? I think Christmas bring out the romantic side of me. Good luck with all your plans!!!
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