The Wonderfully Insane Month of December

Abbie's back with some December "mind candy." Thanks for being here, Abbie. We always love to know what's on your mind...

(Santa, I'm still your friend even if you're a guy in a costume who's getting all the credit for my hard work.)

As soon as September hits, I start getting excited for Christmas. Until December 1st. December is too busy, and I have to do ALL THE WORK. Thinking of the best and most thoughtful presents, buying or making those presents, wrapping those presents, post office, neighbor treats, more shopping, crafting, decorating, baking, letters to Santa, trips to attempt to sit on Santa's lap, city celebrations, Christmas cards, Christmas blogging, more shopping, Christmas service projects, holiday dinners, sub for Santa, parties, children activities, church activities, and more shopping. Yeah, some of it's fun, but who's going to clean the apartment and make dinner and find a clinic that's giving the H1N1 vaccine and grocery shop while all this fun is going on!?!

AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

That's when this momma starts FREAKING OUT! Why does December have to be like this? Why can’t someone else do all of this for me while I just sit and look dreamily at my Christmas tree (that I’ve worked so hard to decorate and get on that table!) with a mug of hot wassail in my hand? Why can’t it be magical like it was when I was little? Why do I have to do all of Santa’s work while he gets all the credit and praise? Where is the Christmas Spirit and why is it taking so long to get here!?!

Relax. Breathe.

And then something happens around mid-December: I calm down, say a little prayer, and do something to remember WHY. This year it was a trip to the Met:

I forced myself to notice all the artwork about Christ. Do you know how many works of art there are with Jesus as the subject? A lot. Do you know how embarrassing it is to get weepy in front of a group of French tourists? Apparently not embarrassing enough to stop the tears. I looked at each piece and realized how many lives the Lord of Lords has touched over hundreds of years.

And I remembered (once again!) why I’m doing all of this in December. I know why I'm running around the city like an insane person trying to make a wonderful Christmas for my family. I realize that I really do love the Christmas season. We’re celebrating our Savior’s birth, and I’m the only one who’s going to invite that Christmas Spirit into my life and create the magic of Christmas for my family.

I am grateful for the time of year when we are busily thinking and serving others, and remembering the birth of our Savior in those quiet moments. And now (post Dec. 12th), I can wholeheartedly wish you a

Merry Christmas!

Love, Abbie