Tis the Days Before Christmas

Tis the days before Christmas, we’re all going nuts;
With so much to do, there’s no ifs, ands or buts.
Buy presents, hang tree lights, pop cards in the mail,
Send gift packs, thread popcorn, find turkeys on sale.

Decorations need stringing up all through the house.
And you haven’t a clue what to buy for your spouse.
School concerts, receptions, open houses with friends,
Long lineups, short tempers, tying up the loose ends.

With all our mad dashing, we’re reeling from shock;
Let’s stop for a minute and really take stock.
It’s crassly commercial, the cynical say;
If that’s true, that our fault-it’s us and not they.

Take time for yourself-though hard as that seems?
Enjoy your kids’ laughter, excitement and dreams.
Take a moment out now, don’t get overly riled,
Instead make an angel in snow with your child.

The shortbread can wait, and so can the tree;
What’s important to feel is a child’s sense of glee.
The holidays aren’t about push, rush and shove;
They’re for friendship and sharing and family love.

Hear the bells, feel the warmth, light up with the glow
Of a message first sent to us so long ago:
Peace, love and goodwill, and hope burning bright.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

With all the last minute shopping and the mad dash to wrap presents, DON’T FORGET TO ENJOY THIS WEEK! In the blink of an eye this week will be over and Christmas will have come and gone…if you don’t stop NOW and take notice of what is happening you will miss it! You will miss the excitement on your child’s face as they dream about Santa Claus coming down the chimney. You will miss the joy of making a huge mess frosting sugar cookies together and the fun of singing carols while you deliver treats to your neighbors. You will miss the moment of sitting quietly by the fireplace sipping hot chocolate with your sweetheart while you stare at the lights on your Christmas tree. Don’t. Don’t miss a single moment of joy that you can feel this week!!!

Cherish every moment…

~Amy Rees Anderson