christmas tree decorating

i posted about this last year as well (as you may or may not recall). you can read it here: http://kirstenpasschier.blogspot.com/2010/11/spontaneity.html if you are so inclined.


and this year i was at it again. trying to find a time to decorate the tree, trying to find an evening where we (or I) could just enjoy decorating. i was thinking about making a nice dinner for the evening, baking some homemade cookies and putting on some christmas music

but then i decided (and i apologize if i get serious here) that while i wanted to do all those things, no one was going to notice. it might make for a nice little bloggity post but let's be honest: dave. doesn't. care.

and we've been busy. and been running around. and i am pregnant. and we are already squeezing this between chores and bedtime.

i have noticed that this year i haven't even thought that much about Christmas. I definately haven't been reflecting on the Christmas story or preparing my heart for advent. so why add more kerfuffle (is that a word?) to the already beautifully simple message of the season

Christ came. as a humble baby. for me.
simply. astounding

i am not saying that i am not setting up a tree or not shopping for christmas presents or not making BIG DEALS out of family celebrations. it just not in my nature to reject that!!

but thinking about christmas decorating reminded me to just enjoy christmas decorating. not make it something it isn't. or try to make it something bigger than it is.
enjoy an evening with my husband. maybe he'll have a beer instead of christmas cookies and eggnog (you never thought you'd read a blog with beer & advent in the same post did you???)



but this season
i am trying to remind myself to enjoy what IS
the message of a saviour for sinners
the beauty of a family coming together (organized or not)
the joy of giving
the fun of spending time with a husband

IF these things happen to include perfectly wrapped presents, beautiful trees, and splendidly hosted family gatherings i'm not complaining

but there is beauty in the unexpected
in unplanned festive evenings
in bouts of laughter with siblings
in silly traditions that have come out of nowhere
and most of all
in the saving grace of a tiny helpless baby.