Relax

It’s that time of year again.  Every year I have the same intention to slow down and to spend and do less.  And I was doing really well this year.  I was pretty proud of myself.  Then I decided to start homeschooling the week of Thanksgiving.  Then I sprained my foot.  Then I realized that I was going on a twenty-three hour drive with my husband and two children to New York in just ten days.  A trip to the cold, cold Northwest, for which every member of my Florida-living family needs a coat, boots, and warm clothing.

I gave up on holiday cards.  I let it go, and I feel mostly guilt-free about it.  I let go of making dozes and dozens of cookies.  I let go of getting all of my knitting done in time for our vacation. The Daddy Monkey told me he’d rather receive his sweater when it’s a surprise, rather than getting it all mixed up with all the other gifts of Christmas Day.  What a relief.

Late one recent evening, I sat at the dining room table finishing up The Girl’s handmade gift.  I was alone, as the other members of my family were nestled all snug in their beds.  I realized that I’d been running around like a crazy person for four straight days. I lit a candle, put on some quiet Christmas music, and finished the toys.  After I finished the toys and cleaned up, I made myself a visual reminder to slow down.  On a plain index card, I wrote simply, “relax” and placed it in the center of our Advent wreath.

And lo and behold, like some kind of Christmas Miracle, it worked.  Last night, The Daddy Monkey and I were talking about how it helped us both during our day.  And since I am sitting at that table, or walking past it many, many times a day, I see it there reminding me to be patient with my family, to slow down, to enjoy this holiday and to relax.