Yes, folks, that is my take on “Joy to the World.” Bah humbug perhaps, but I do love Christmastime. The problem is that we often lose track of the “reason for the season,” understandably so because no one has a spare second to contemplate it.
Even now as I bloggety blog away, I should be doing a host of different things that I need to do before leaving town at the crack of dawn on Wednesday — addressing over 100 cards (no time for a meaningful scrawl on the back), taking a wog (walk/jog) on the treadmill to burn off the scrumptious cannoli I ate last night, packing for Dallas, wrapping presents, baking, ordering last minute presents online, and the list goes on. You know!
Isn’t it funny that our expectations of what can get done in the space of a few weeks in December is ridiculous, far more than any other month of the year? And does all of this “busy busy-ness” translate into a deeper appreciation of the meaning of Christmas? I think not.
This year I am trying to force myself to participate in only that which I truly want to, not because I feel somehow obligated. It’s nice to feel sincere. And it’s quite liberating — I highly recommend it. I haven’t perfected the technique by any means, but it has forced me to slow down and listen to myself more than usual. That in itself is progress.
Yesterday for the first time ever, I heard the bells of the Salvation Army ringing and couldn’t bring myself to scuttle by without slipping a $5 bill into the collection box. It felt good, better than any mocha latte buzz. (No disrespect to almighty Starbucks intended.) Perhaps it’s time to revert back to using the true words, “Repeat with sounding joy.” I think I’m onto something here…
Joy to the world!
LibbY