In this season of Advent,
of waiting, I am approaching the decorating of our home in a new and different manner. Taking a cue from church, where our sanctuary is prepared gradually, one week at a time; I decided to try a variation on that theme and made myself a day-by-day task sheet. Saturday our trees went up, that's it... went up, period. They're not decorated yet, that happens today. Sunday the candles went in the windows and the door wreath was hung. Monday the Christmas dishes appeared in the cupboard. Yesterday was garland day. I have never prepared for Christmas in this manner before; I used to push through, doing everything at one time, and didn't delight in that process one little bit, I was left frazzled and exhausted. This year is different. What's yet to come? There's card day, wrapping day, cookie day... I am
being present in Advent this year and I highly recommend it! From
Advent A Time of Hope by Paula D'Arcy: "
I pray to be present to the day before me. This is life, and only this. I have lived "ahead" in my thoughts and know them to be counterfeit. All I have is this present moment. I have to stay alert. If this Advent is to be different, I have to respond differently. Something else is waiting for me and I know it. Only I decide whether or not to listen to what beckons me."
Life is Good!
15 comments:
Great idea. I am trying to get more done early this year so we can actually enjoy the days leading up to Christmas and not be so frenzied.
Great idea. I am trying to get more done early this year so we can actually enjoy the days leading up to Christmas and not be so frenzied.
this is actually how I normally decorate - the wall hangings went up last week, the wreaths are going up today and the heavy stuff all stored in the workshop will come in on the weekend when DH can help - I can't carry those boxes in the house :)
That's how I'm doing it this year too, though I didn't approach it deliberately...just don't have time to do it all at once. Thanks for your thoughts- I will savor taking my time!
What a fantastic idea! Why do we think that the Christmas season is a race? Why don't we slow down and savor this season?
I needed to read this post today. I have been feeling a little guilty about not getting the decorating done. I'm sewing and wrapping and shopping and cooking but I'm not decorating - just no interest at all. I will set a goal for myself to do something daily so it doesn't feel overwhelming. Perhaps the nativity sets will appear today. One thing at a time. . .
I've often approached decorations this way, not through choice but because I have been too busy to do it any other way. But reading your post shows that it makes sense and I think I will be sure to do it this way again and begin to enjoy the task more.
I like this a lot! I think most folks end up rushing through the season with tasks, instead of enjoying the process......but until you see it in writing, you don't realize you're even doing that! Thanks!
That's how we're finishing up the moving out of our home of 22 years and into the rental....no Christmas decorations for us this year--they're in a box somewhere........
This post just couldn't be any more wonderful...thank you so much!
Great way to prolong the enjoyment of the season! I decorate this way but usually out of pure laziness--my tree has stood nude as long as four days before lights, then another couple days before balls and decorations...Glad you are doing this purposefully :)
It makes a difference, doesn't it? Since the kids have grown and gone I don't have little ones urging me to "get it all up". So I do it at my pace and enjoy each day. The season is more peaceful and I am more pleasant. : )
I agree with Nancy and Carol ... EXCELLENT post ... thanks for bringing so many of us back to reality ;-) Linda
Very inspiring..thank you!
Love this post - and this is exactly how I'm trying to do it too!
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