Contemplating Christmas Again

Okay. If I truly examine my feelings I actually do like Christmas. Shopping at craft sales was fun today. I enjoyed spending time with my mom and sister, and the holiday displays were quite pretty. For the first time this year I actually started looking forward to Christmas.

Here are a few things I like about the season:

• Festive light displays
• Baking cookies and treats
• My nativity set
• Homemade gifts (to give or receive)
• Country cottage-type decorations
• The scent of evergreens
• Singing carols
• Dressing the children in cute clothes
• Christmas candles
• Visiting with family we don't see often
• Receiving cards, letters and pictures in the mail

I think if I can keep my lists under control I'll be okay. I plan on avoiding the mall. Today I realized this will be the first Christmas in a long time where I'm not pregnant or nursing a small baby. My energy levels are quite good these days. Perhaps this Christmas will feel less exhausting! I also remembered that last December was very hard for our family --- we all caught a vicious flu and then my grandfather died before we were completely recovered. The Christmas season was sad and overwhelming last year. I think this year will be different.

Ben and I may even buy a real evergreen tree this year. (I saw some gorgeous quilted tree skirts at the craft sales today.) Today I started to feel excited about decorating our new home for the holidays. I have a beautiful Willow Tree nativity set. This summer our local Christian bookstore went out of business and I bought all the extra pieces for my nativity scene. I'm looking forward to arranging everything along the fireplace mantle.