Merry Christmas, 2013

It's that time

Christmas time is here

Everybody knows

There's not a better time of year *

     It's been a tradition for the last thirty-odd years to amass a family Christmas CD and VHS/DVD collection by making one purchase of each genre at this time of year. As time passed and the collections swelled, we'd spend many a fine December hour listening to a CD or an evening watching a video.

     Last night was one of the "watching" nights. We chose National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation starring Chevy Chase. It was well worth waiting for. Such wit, heart, and goofiness. It ranks right up there in our assembled collection of Christmas cheer!

     Of course, listening to Christmas music and watching Christmas movies is not meant as an excuse for a slacked-off writing and blogging schedule. No. No, indeed. 

     The last four months have been a whirlwind of personal busyness: beekeeping education and two beehives; conjunctival graft to correct an ulcerated eye on our mini-Schnauzer; torn ligament in our Silky Terrier; and, time with family at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, and the passing of a dear family member there. Thanksgiving came and went, and before I knew it––Christmas was upon our family. The angst grew proportionally. And I grew in the process.

     Rather than living in a bubble of stress, I picked "my battles." I made choices. I accepted missed self-imposed deadlines, especially if it meant that otherwise I might slip the slippery slope of slop-piness. I spent time with those who needed my time, and I was where I was supposed to be when love and support was needed. Two holiday parties were RSVP'd negative, because I felt it was more important to have the family hearth prepared. And, you know what––it's okay. Another year is on the wing.

     I am dedicated to the meaning and feeling of Christmas. My wish for you is that you be filled with the beauty, the peace, and the wonder that is Christmas.
* Title Song: Christmas Vacation