Read more of Ann’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.
I was wandering the aisles of a large variety store the other day when I came upon their Christmas section all set up and ready for the season, and my first reaction was … joy. Pure, unadulterated joy. I immediately slowed my pace, sipped the coffee I had in the cup-holder of my cart and smiled widely as I looked at each little ornament and decoration.
And, then I heard it behind me; two women making disgusted sounds and saying, “Christmas already? We haven’t even gotten through Halloween yet!”
I immediately felt embarrassed, like the silly smile on my face and my slow pace of enjoyment were somehow wrong. I started questioning my feelings. Was this early set-up of Christmas a bad thing? Should I be angry too?
I wondered at our very different reactions. I personally love any reminder of Jesus’ birth (no matter how early). Maybe, these women had experienced less than happy Christmases in their pasts. But, haven’t we all? I know I have. But, somehow that has never dampened the joy I feel in my heart when the season rolls around again.
Sure, one could argue that the holiday has become commercialized and that stores contribute to this by setting up their displays too early. But, here’s what I realized: October and November are the best times for me as a mom (and Nana) to pause and take in all the holiday beauty.
Come December, my purse is filled with to-do lists and my mind is crammed full of menu plans, gift and card lists, and lists for all the other things moms have to keep track of for the holidays. In December, I tend to run on survival mode and I don’t have the energy to truly enjoy the stores’ decorations.
In the earlier months, I get excited to see all the new décor and ornament options when they first come in. I love the displays when they are fresh and new and not picked over or messy. Plus, I have more energy to really take in the beauty of the season when I’m not right in the middle of all the stress.
So, I’m sorry crabby ladies behind me, I’m going to slow my pace, sip my coffee and enjoy myself while the Halloween candy is still up. I may even hum a Christmas carol or two. Because, this is my time to truly let the beauty of Jesus’s birth fill my heart and I’m going to enjoy every minute of it.
