But this has been a tough season for me
This time of year is always hectic. Lots of things I feel that I have to do, and lots of things that I'd like to do. Every.Single.Year. But this year seems more rushed than in the past. The other night I had an anxiety episode about my holiday cards. I literally didn't fall asleep because my thoughts were going a mile a minute because of cards. I kept thinking that I wouldn't get my cards done "in time for Christmas." When I woke up (calmer) in the morning I realized that I've never -- at least in my memory -- gotten all of my cards done in time to arrive before Christmas. I've bought New Year cards and sent Valentines to "complete" my cards, more than once.
The Sidewalks of New York at the holiday season
My anxiety episode led to an awareness that what ever I get done, I'll get done. Cards will get sent (or they won't) and packages will get wrapped (or they won't). I'll spend time with friends and see (some of) the sights in the city. It won't be all the sights and I won't send all the cards I'd hoped to, but I will make every effort to enjoy the days ahead. If friends don't get holiday cards, I can still send notes and let people know that I'm thinking of them.
The Lights at the Shops at Columbus Circle
One very fun thing I did get to do was visit with our blog friend, Beatrice from The Frog and the PenguiNN. We had a great get-together, window-shopping, visiting the Market at Columbus Circle and eating dinner with these lights as our view. The lights are a favorite part of (my) New York every December. The lights change color and on the hour holiday music plays. It's fun and festive and so pretty.
I'm slowing down, stopping and smelling the gingerbread and realizing -- as always -- that it's not about how much I get accomplished and the presents and cards, but about being present in as many moments as possible.
From Gingerbread NYC at the Museum of the City of New York
As ever, thanks for visiting and let's all stop and smell the gingerbread.
11 comments
Great post! I have noticed myself getting stressed about the season and other things going on (maybe even more than usual this year), and I need to step back and chill out, and smell the gingerbread! Thanks for a timely reminder. I love all of the fun things you see in your city!
My cards are not all sent out either, They will arrive late! I haven't given up yet! Hopefully the people I love most won't mind.
It's more important to simply savor the lights and moments with friends than to rush around in a whirl of worry, Carol. Cards are always appreciated, on time or not. Blessings!
I have had to do my cards "piece-meal", as my thumb has arthritis or something and it's making it harder and harder for me to handwrite anything. I've noticed that I haven't received very many cards this year either, so I'm not stressing anymore over it. I did what I could. I'm more worried about gifts and gift wrapping. If I could afford to hire someone to do that for me, I would be a happy camper. I have serious procrastination issues when it comes to shopping and wrapping, and also the arthritis in my back makes it difficult to do much for long as well, so I am realizing that things will have to change in the future. But yes, Christmas will come and we will enjoy the day regardless of what I did or didn't do. We will celebrate our Savior's Birth and rejoice in God's wondrous gift. That's what matters most. How nice you could meet up with "Beatrice". I know you both must have enjoyed that immensely! Merry Christmas to you and yours.
I love smelling gingerbread, smells so heavenly.
I got my cards out early this year.
We have a very low key Christmas so I don't really get stressed out. I find if I concentrate on Jesus, the reason for the season it is so much better. :)
Christmas can be a very stressful time.
Nice that you got to meet up with Beatrice.
Make sure you take time to enjoy each and every moment of this very special season.
All the best Jan
That kind of stress happens way too often this time of year. It too easily can spoil the joy of the season and infringe on the true meaning of why we celebrate. The more we simplify the happier we can be any time of year and especially in December.
First, Carol, it was wonderful to meet you on my NYC visit and thanks again for taking the time to do so during this always busy time of year. I enjoyed our get together very much. Like yourself, I have some yet-to-finish holiday things, and your advice to not stress over the small things is well taken.
Oh! I am right there with you. I have cards sitting waiting for a final kiss of the stamp to send them on their way. I woke up thinking about all I have to do in the next couple of days. Drank two cups of coffee to calm down...lol...apparently caffeine has an opposite effect on my nerves-and calms me rather than stirs me.
Merry Merry Christmas-here's to what gets done, what doesn't get done and all the things that get half-way done. xo Diana
What has helped me cope is to cut back my expectations and just let some things go. Happy Holidays!
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