Hustle and bustle – two little words that strike fear into parents everywhere.
I’m pretty sure you only hear these words during the holiday season, and they couldn’t be more accurate. Even non-parent friends have commented on how hurried and stressful the Christmas season can get. On top of all the regularly scheduled daily and weekly routines, now we add on all these merriment-making activities: everything from getting the yard cleaned up for winter and putting out decorations, to baking holiday treats, budget-busting holiday shopping and let’s not forget all the holiday get–togethers.
I do truly enjoy spending time with family and friends and coworkers; it’s all the extras that can bog one down and make your head spin. It’s the staying up all hours of the night making Olaf brownie bites for the bake sale, running all over town looking for just the right black shoes for the Holiday concert, or entering the time-warp that is Pinterest to find mischievous ideas for your elf on the shelf.
They are mostly a necessary evil but are the less-fun cousins of an otherwise cheerful holiday season.
A lot of pressure gets lumped onto the holidays. Take the family Christmas card, for example. Do you know how much work goes into one stinking photo? Kudos if you know a photographer, because that’s a big hurdle, and that’s just one hurdle in a long process. You also must figure out location and don’t forget the coordinating outfits. When picture day rolls around you pray for open eyes, cooperation and smiles. My hat is off to all the families that ‘get er done’ every year; I love your photo cards and appreciate each and every one. Please enjoy my boxed cards, if I ever get around to sending them.
No wonder the holiday season loses some of its luster. While I’m sure we’d all like to experience the Norman Rockwell holiday experience, it’s not always the case. Buddy the Elf would tell you the best way to spread Christmas cheer is to sing loudly for all to hear and, while I do love to belt out Christmas carols, practicing KINDNESS is what I recommend. Put the “I” in KIND, and you’re sure to add a little joy for yourself and others this holiday season.
