Tis The Season!
December 4th, 2009 by LaDonna
I had one of those AH moments while shopping with my daughter today. Despite the busy season upon us, I’m enjoying the moments more than ever. I’ve always enjoyed life, but the one thing that’s changed is that I’m okay with the stuff that doesn’t get done. What’s going to happen? Is the sky going to fall down, the holiday pass without me? Not a chance. And interesting enough, once I accepted that fact I seem to get everything done that’s important. What’s that all about anyway?
I ran several errands this week, and while doing so soaked up the atmosphere. I was the writer gal, without my laptop! On one excursion, I was surrounded by elderly people at the Eye Center. There was a delay on most of the appts, and we were all bored silly. So, I struck up a conversation with most of them. One little gray-haired gal, a seat over, made the comment she couldn’t wait for her cataract surgery so she could see what her boyfriend looked like! I laughed. My characters are spunky and say similar things, and I enjoyed my time with this jolly little group.
I never realized, but one of the things I enjoy about writing is the experiencing part. Everything in life is deeper, I believe, when it comes from a writer’s soul. We might not always look like we’re working, but we are! So, as we navigate the holiday season, I hope all of you capture some of the magic out there!
Any, Tis The Season, thoughts you’d care to share?
10 Responses to “Tis The Season!”
You’re right about letting go, LaD. Once you decide nothing is earth-shattering important, its amazing what is actually accomplished. Everything somehow gets done.
I also agree with the experiencing life wherever we find it. I’ve noticed that I chat more and more with total strangers. Nodding and saying hi to someone in the street usually draws a smile and a response. There are those that I find funny, though. The people who don’t know how to respond when greated in the street by a total stranger. Its amusing, yet sad at the same time.
Really gotta get going on my Christmas cards and getting some gifts shipped off over seas. The little darlin’ and I make handmade Christmas cards for family and close friends. Its time consuming but they turn out beautifully. That’s a new tradition I’m trying to establish.
LaD, beautiful post! Your analogy struck me: “I’m okay with the stuff that doesn’t get done.” For me, the same goes for writing. I think we have a tendency to sweat over the details, which then stalls the writing process. Better to just let it go and finish. In the end, it all works out.
I love this season!!! Sometimes, I just want to freeze time so that I can enjoy every moment…like right now, my son is in the middle of a giant pile of wrapping paper “snow” that we’ve cut up. His grin is huge, the floor is a mess, but we’re happy.
Liz, it’s amazing isn’t it how that lesson works; about letting go? Maybe it’s a way for Life to help us stay in the flow. If you’re hanging on to stuff, or expectations you can’t move as freely. Hmmm, now you given me a gift today with your comment.
And I absolutely love talking to strangers while running errands. Sometimes the gifts I get back from that one are amazing. I swear, sometimes a warmth just fills my heart.
And I haven’t done my cards yet! Your tradition with your little darlin’ sounds beautiful. What a special one to create.
Thanks, Kathy! And speaking of writing, I’m a little behind on those pages too during the holiday season. My focus seems to be on the falala chorus, and not the butt-in-seat mantra. I know that January is shining ahead like a beacon. Until deadlines come along again, I’m happy with my schedule.
Cindy, you’re a very wise woman!
I treasure those memories with my girls, and the ones I’m making with my grandkids. Time does pass quickly, and you’re smart to indulge in those precious moments. I bet Jack is beyond excited this time of year too! Enjoy it all like you are right now!
Great blog, LaD! I love the story about the woman eager for cataract surgery so she can see her boyfriend. And I can picture Cindy’s son in rainbow-colored snow.
Like Liz and you, I talk to people all the time in lines. I smile at kids in shopping carts, too. When you’re as short as I am, you’re not a threat to kids or parents.
Enjoy the holiday feeling!
LaDonna,
One of my favorite, must watch and read Christmas stories in Dr. Seuess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. When you made the comment about letting go of stuff and Christmas still comes, I immediately thought of those Whos in Whoville who celebrated even without all the trimmings. Christmas comes, no matter what.
Keeping that philosophy allows all of us to celebrate the season with joy in our hearts and the energy left to do so. I tell myself that every year as I’m always behind. I also take the philosophy of a Christmas son, Twelve Days of Christmas. So that way I’m never late with cards or whatever…
Edie, I knew you’d enjoy the little lady who made me laugh! And too funny, I almost mentioned smiling at the kids in the shopping carts too. Since I’m a shorty too, we’re at eye-level.
Hey Mary Jo, about time for me to watch that movie again! We all love it here too. And good idea about the Twelve Days of Christmas. I think I might be a day or two off, though.