It’s Christmas time. The In-Laws are here (whom I absolutely love!), arrived late last night, and our house is full. Full of family, full of wonderful smells wafting from the kitchen (mashed potatoes and roasted butternut squash soup), full of presents under our ginormous tree, full of cheer, full of toys strewn across the floor and whining and “he’s being mean” and “he won’t share!” Yeah, this isn’t Leave It To Beaver where Wally and The Beaver are always getting along. Nope, this is the Zimmer house, where holidays (and every day) are real. Not to say that I wasn’t obsessed with Leave It To Beaver when I was younger, and my oh my how I wanted to be the real June Cleaver someday; and not to say that the show wasn’t realistic at all – just saying how real life isn’t always hugs, cherry pie and “go run along now.”
I love the holidays, I truly do. The stress to get everything done “just right” – I could live without that. Funny, I don’t remember myself being so stressed out last year? I also don’t “feel” as stressed as I have before when I know I’m stressed in the past. Yes, I have a billion things to do (no, literally, I do… you should see my to-do list), but I’m not all crazy and wigged out. I actually feel quite calm about it. And heck, if it doesn’t get done “just right” well at least it might just be okay to not be perfect. Yes, you heard me right: it might just be okay to not be perfect.
I feel blessed that Will’s parents got to come all the way across the country for a short but very wonderful visit for Christmas. I feel blessed that we have a twelve foot tree in our house, that with our able bodies, Will and I were able to cut down and haul into our home. I feel blessed we have a home, with heat and electricity and running water. I feel blessed for the new sweaters I just bought myself and all the gifts we have under the tree for our family and friends. I have nothing to not be blessed about. My husband loves me, I love him. Our children love us and are happy. I actually had several friends this week tell me how I have a happy home and the boys are so joyful. That touched my heart.
So with all the craziness surrounding me, I know at least that it is crazy joy, and I would much rather have that than to not. Tonight we are hosting Christmas dinner and Will’s Dad’s birthday. I am really looking forward to laying out all the delicious food that I’ve spent the morning preparing, and sharing fellowship, laughter, love and gratitude with my family.
I wish blessings upon each of you, that you may open your hearts and your homes for joy and love, and that gratitude abundantly showers you.
With a heart so full,
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Season’s Greetings…