fourteen days

My mom lives in a retirement community that has a digital Christmas countdown clock. As you enter the building you can't miss it. The days, hours, minutes and seconds are ticking down, right before your eyes. I'm sure the kids that see it are filled with excitement and anticipation. When I see it, I can't help but let out a painful groan, just thinking of what I want to accomplish before the holiday. Today marks just 14 days until Christmas. I had every intention of being ahead of the game this year. This was the year that I was going to try to get all my shopping done before December 1st so that I could really enjoy the season and the true meaning of Christmas. Well, maybe next year will be that year.

Yesterday we had a little slice of Christmas. Snow day #1. Happy, jolly kids. Rest for the weary. Christmas crafts coming together. The icing on the cake was dinner. All my kids, home and hungry at the same time. Hailey's boyfriend Justin was able to join us too. A great feast it was, with lots of chatter, laughter and storytelling (and dessert!). With two seniors at the table, we talked about college and future plans. I think back to the time when Hailey was just entering high school, and all the friends that warned me how fast the time would fly by. It's so true.

Time doesn't slow down. You just have to steal away bits of it and store the memories.

Fourteen days. My boys still don't have a Christmas wish list. I think that's a good thing. It's not that they're spoiled and have every game and gadget imaginable, but it's not all about the "stuff". Mostly, they want snow for Christmas, and plenty of time to enjoy their snowboards. So, I guess you could say that they are getting what they want... snow day #2.

When I think about gift-giving, I remember what my dad would say every time you asked him what he wanted for Christmas. Every time, same answer... "good kids".

On Monday I volunteered to work a Faith Hospice event. A troupe of boy scouts and girl scouts came in to sing Christmas carols to the residents. It really warmed my heart to see these kids singing with such spirit, songs of the Christ child. Joy to the World, Silent Night, Away in a Manger, "...and take us to heaven to live with Thee there". These residents generally have less than 6 months to live, sometimes only days. The patients and families were really touched by this group, as was I.

How blessed we are to have shelter from this winter storm, food to nourish our bodies, family and friends to share our joys and sorrows, and faith that brings us peace, even in times of trouble. May you be blessed with the gifts of faith, health, and love this Christmas season. Find time to enjoy the little things over the next two weeks. I highly recommend you start with a home cooked meal with the whole family around the table. ...and don't forget the dessert.

Merry Christmas!