Ten writers for children. All with something to say.

12/5/12

How I'm (not) Preparing for the Holidays

A couple of days ago I made the decision that I am not going to put up any Christmas decorations this year, nor am I going to send out Christmas cards (handmade or not). Call me a Grinch or a Scrooge, but the thought of adding these things to my "to do" list, made me feel weary, not merry. Oh, I'm still buying books to give to all my great nieces, and I'll be making my annual "Wheel of Fortune" game to play at our family holiday gathering, but the Christmas preparations for me this year will be minimal. This decision was a great relief. It frees me up to do two things I haven't had much chance to do in the past few months: work on new writing projects, and spend time with friends that I don't see very often. That's how I want to spend the holidays this year. And next year when (if) I put up decorations and send out cards, it will be a happy choice, and not a dreaded obligation.

5 comments:

Lauren said...

David, I completely understand your grinchiness! When I think holidays, I think comfort and joy, with time for reflection. If all our time is spent fulfilling traditions every year, it can be harder and harder to appreciate these traditions and see them as obligations, something to get through. It sounds as if you have found the perfect gift for yourself, the gift of time and self compassion.

Stephanie said...

I think it's one of those years. My husband usually has our house glittering from top to bottom the day after Thanksgiving, but we've barely gotten the lights on the tree so far. We have no snow, so maybe that's it? Hard to be in the mood without the white stuff...

Library Jewel said...

Good for you, David! Remember you are always welcome to spend Christmas Eve with these members of your family...you can enjoy the decorations at our house.

Christy said...

Seems like you have your priorities right. I hope you find both unhurried quiet time for your writing and time for good fellowship with friends. I can't think of anything that would make me more jolly!

Laurie Miles said...

Glad to be in grinchy company with you, David!