Friday, December 26, 2008

Low Key Christmas


I love Christmas festivities: concerts, special books, recipes, parties, and the like. But many years I have been guilty of cramming too much into the schedule. I wanted my kids to hear ALL of the books and learn ALL of the carols and make too many cute ornaments.

This year I streamlined and culled. No shopping trips for clothing--we wore clothes we already owned. Only one Christmas party. A few books and poems, savored more slowly. One concert, Handel's Messiah, our traditional kick-off to the season.

We had a wonderful Christmas!

Our stay-at-home day included dinner guest, singing our favorite carols, a scrumptious meal, good coffee, musical "jams" on newly-unwrapped instruments, Boggle games, and jogging camaraderie at the end of the day.

The day after Christmas can be such a letdown, but today I am feeling a lingering sweetness that is like a benediction settling my soul with contentment.

"And all the people went away to eat, to drink, to send portions and to celebrate a great festival, because they understood the words which had been made known to them."
Nehemiah 8:12

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello

Poiema said...

Wow, Paul. I just looked at your blog and am thrilled to read your testimony. Thanks for stopping by.

Joyful Days said...

So glad you had a lovely Christmas! Sounds wonderful.

I'm guilty of often trying to do too much. This year was a bit quieter--and it was very sweet.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Julie