Well, Christmas is close enough to smell. Several instances of spontaneous baking have broken out in our house over the past few days. I may or may not have been dreaming last night when I thought I awoke to a faint hint of figgy pudding hanging in the air. It was probably a dream, since I would have no clue how figgy pudding actually smells.
I finally buckled down and finished Christmas shopping on Tuesday evening. Unfortunately, I always leave the most difficult portion of my shopping list until last, which causes a wee bit of stress to creep into my normally calm world. I have a simple remedy for my holiday shopping stress. Whenever I feel myself getting a bit on edge, I throw something in the cart for myself. It has an amazingly calming effect on me. I tested it recently and found that my level of serenity is directly proportionate to the number of $5 DVDs I unearth in the discount bin. You can almost imagine what a 2TB Western Digital Desktop External Hard Drive would do for me.
Although I’ve somewhat moved on from the excruciating anticipation I would experience at eight years old, I still get pretty darned excited as Christmas nears. Despite what those of you who know me might think, it really isn’t about the presents. I can buy myself presents anytime throughout the year. There is something magical about getting together with family at Christmas. It wouldn’t be the same without them.
This year has been a bit sobering as the big holiday nears, as I’ve had two family members do a stint in the hospital in the past couple of weeks. My mom and my brother Clay, I’m happy to say, are both on their respective roads to recovery, but it certainly reminds a person of the fragility of life. I selfishly hope (a long ways down the road) that I’m the first of the Wilmes kids to go, because I can’t imagine the hole that would be left if any were to be gone before me.
Kathy and I recently had a conversation with a friend of ours who was extolling the virtues of staying home at Christmas with just his immediate family. He was nearly giddy with excitement. Again, I suppose, this is a testament to the magic at Christmas. These are the same people with whom he spends every single day of his life, but the excitement is elevated this time of year. I love my immediate family dearly, but I can’t imagine ever being forced to give up spending time with Kathy’s and my extended families at Christmas. I have to believe that it isn’t solely due to the fact that I get to eat ham with each of them.
I would guess each of you have your own traditions that make Christmas special for you, whether that involves spending time with your siblings, eating raw fish, or watching “It’s A Wonderful Life” on cable. Whatever makes it extraordinary, I hope you get to relive it again this year.
The next few days will be a blur of excitement, activities and merriment, and before I know it Monday will be here and I’ll be back into my normal routine (albeit with leftover Christmas goodies) and I’ll wonder how another season could pass so quickly.
If you all feel even half as delighted as I do during the holidays then you have an amazing few days ahead of you. Enjoy them to the fullest!
Merry Christmas.