We’re in the final countdown to Christmas, and “it” is here. As a matter if fact, “it” started about two weeks ago, a little earlier than usual. “It” is that twisted up feeling I get inside every year at some point during the holiday season. Yep. It’s here, and it’s not pleasant.

Right now, I feel like every inch of my house contains some sort of clutter or chaos. There is definitely no peace in my little patch of this earth. And I never even put up all of my Christmas decorations. That would be such a lovely excuse for the mess and general disorder. No such luck.

Then pile on top of the mess the fact that gifts need purchased and wrapped, parties need prepared for, school work needs finished up. I think I could go crazy. Seriously.

Over these past couple of weeks, I’ve had to figure out ways to cope so that I don’t either lose my mind or break down in a puddle tears. These thoughts will be especially important during this final week.

Here are some things I’m doing (or not doing) this crazy, chaotic year:

–Keep up with my calendars. I might not do everything on my weekly calendar, but at least I know where I’m supposed to go and when I’m supposed to be there. That’s a blessing when I’m busy running around like a chicken with my head cut off.

–Focus on what’s important. I have to keep reminding myself that people matter and things don’t. I’m trying to spend my time on things that will bring joy to my family (like the advent bags) and not worry so much about things that can wait (like cleaning out the kids’ rooms).

–Forget about what isn’t important. I didn’t send out Christmas cards this year. Again. I also didn’t hang our beautiful garland or indoor wreaths. Somehow I think Christmas will still come. I hope to do some more cleaning and baking this week, but I have my doubts about what I’ll actually get done. I’ve decided that I’m not going to cry over the unimportant things that will inevitably get lost in the shuffle.

–Do something small to get started. I’m finding that doing some small, easy tasks often gives me the little jump start I need to do the bigger things calling my name. Organizing a cabinet, wrapping a gift, or hanging a wreath can help get me going.

–Stash clutter out of sight. There is just too much stuff stacked in corners and piled beside the furniture. It makes our house feel two sizes too small. If I put my mind (and my kids) to it, I can likely get a lot of the junk put in its rightful place. I might simply hide those things that will require more time and organizational skill to take care of. Out of sight, out of mind. Fake peace is better than no peace.

–Smile…..enjoy…..relax. This week we’re going to watch lots of Christmas movies. I hope to color pictures, do crafts, and decorate some cookies, too. BUT I have decided that I’m not going to stress out over what we don’t get to do. Who says you can’t make cookies the week after Christmas? This is a time to make some memories. Hopefully some good ones!

This post is linked to Raising Homemakers.

I began cross stitching this throw sixteen years ago. I know exactly when it was because I was pregnant with my first child. And I was nesting. For some odd reason, I became obsessed with cross stitch. But cross stitch art doesn’t exactly fit my personal style,
so I only made Christmas stuff.



I stitched tree ornaments that we still use, a picture that needs framed, and this cute little afghan that I never finished. I labored over this throw. I actually tea-dyed the fabric to get just the right color (told you I was obsessed). I spent hours and hours stitching while my husband was at work. It was a huge project, but I was determined to do it.



Then, as often happens near the end of a pregnancy, I had a baby. Suddenly, I didn’t have any time for things like cross stitching (or eating….or sleeping….or laundry….). The almost-finished Santa got packed away with all my thread, needles, and embroidery hoops. I figured I’d get back to him “some day.”

Fast forward bunches of years and two more kids later.
I still don’t have time for cross stitching (or eating….or sleeping….or laundry….), and I’ve lost the obsession, too. Every time I’ve come across this afghan over the years, I’ve told myself that I really should finish it off. And then I’ve zipped it back into the plastic bag, put it at the bottom of my sewing supplies, and forgotten about it.
For sixteen years. Crazy.

When I found it the other day, I decided to go ahead and pull it out of hiding storage. I decided that it doesn’t matter if some holly and berries are missing. It’s alright if the back-stitching isn’t done. It’s fine that you can’t quite tell where the face stops and the eyes begin or see the outline of the various toys in Santa’s bag. It’s okay. I guess.

The funniest part is that my kids think it’s great. They were quite impressed when they saw it. They didn’t noticed the missing colors or question the brown blob sticking out of the sack (it’s supposed to be a teddy bear, in case you’re wondering). I wish I hadn’t waited sixteen years to let poor Santa see the light of Christmas.

It reminds me of what Nester always says, “It doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.” It’s a good thing, because this throw is far from perfect…..but just maybe it’s beautiful.

Do you have any holiday imperfections you’re enjoying this year?

It’s an unusual Thanksgiving week for us this year. For the first time in forever, Thanksgiving will be a quiet day with just the five of us.
I’m so excited!

One thing that won’t be any different is the day after Thanksgiving.
That day always marks the beginning of the Christmas season, and I can’t wait. I want to put up the tree, the wreaths, the garlands. And I want to play Christmas music. As a matter of fact, we just might get an early start on all those carols.

It will be a pleasant change from my gloomy mood last year.

Last Christmas season was a rough one for me. All that holiday cheer felt like a burden.
I was still mourning the loss of my Dad, and Christmas time wasn’t fun. It hurt.
I procrastinated putting up the tree until the kids threatened to mutiny, and I didn’t send out a single card. I waited until the very last minute to plan our Christmas dinner, and then my loving husband had to wrap every single gift while I went grocery shopping.
On Christmas Eve. Yes, it really was that bad.

But in spite of all my sadness and tears (so many tears), the Christmas season came and went…..and I survived. The grief didn’t destroy me. The loneliness didn’t overwhelm me.

The grace of God sustained me.

His grace has carried me through countless milestones this past year. I think this week will be yet another one. This week I will eat Thanksgiving dinner without crying over the empty seat at the table. I will pull out the decorations without escaping to my bedroom to weep in anticipation of Christmas day. I will rejoice in the birth of Christ without agonizing over the death of one of His children.

I still miss my dad, and I don’t think any holiday will ever be the same.
BUT….
Joy really does come in the morning.
God’s mercies are new each day, each year, each Christmas.

Joy to the world!

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

It’s a beautiful thing.
It’s celebrated.
It’s sacrificed for.
It’s sought after.

It’s underestimated.
It’s unappreciated.
It’s undervalued.
It’s costly.

It’s the right to practice religion.
It’s the right to speak freely.
It’s the right to bear arms.
It’s the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It’s even more.
It’s being set free from sin.
It’s being released from oppression.
It’s an act of grace.

It’s a gift. Always.
It’s free. Never.
It’s stained with blood.
It’s priceless.

It’s mine.