Holiday Rush

Once turkey day passed us by, it's almost as though the pace of life sped up. As a child I greatly anticipated the holiday season, especially the one affectionately referred to as Christmas. What can I say . . . I was a normal kid who loved getting gifts. I still love getting gifts but have become more anxious than anticipatory about December 25th. Reason? Because as of today, that means I only have 15 more days to complete all my holiday "requirements," i.e., write/send our annual Christmas letter, make lemon bread for friends/family, make last-minute gift purchases, etc... Anyways, the list goes on and on, though I'm sure the details are not of concern to you. At least not those of you who don't have to deal with me in a high state of stress because of all the pressure I place on myself to get these things done.

Why is that anyways? Why do I--and so many others--place so many expectations on ourselves around this time? Why is it that we HAVE to bake & ice Christmas cookies shaped like Santa Claus or make sure we get Christmas cards/letters to all the right people on our list? I pray that my motivation in doing these things will not stray from my desire to stay connected and show my gratefulness for past and present relationships. I pray that the things I do or accomplish will speak love and not task completion. Christ and not myself.