Christmas Tranquility

Can we have tranquility during the Christmas season? I didn’t used to think so…

The month of December was particularly full for me this year and I wondered if I’d be able to enjoy the holiday at all. I had recording to do, writing deadlines, and radio interviews, but I forged on doing my best to find balance and enjoyment.

I had a commitment in Las Vegas (yes, I know, Vegas? Poor me, right?). Well, my parents reside in Las Vegas and thought I’d mix business with pleasure. Upon my arrival I heard my mom, who has lost most of the use of her hands due to arthritis, continually pleading with my dad to write out her sixty plus Christmas cards, while he protested. And should I tell you he moaned and groaned, too? Nah.

I asked her, “Mom, why is it so important to send out Christmas cards anyway?” Her reply, “My mother always sent out cards and I need to as well.”

That was a good enough reason for her, and today Christmas cards are of the utmost importance to her. As for me, it’s one of those things which I never seem to have margin for, along with baking. By the time I get all the gifts, wrap everything up, fulfill church commitments, prepare for Christmas Eve feast, and Christmas dinner I hardly have room for anything else.

I’m sure you can relate.

Holiday season can be so stressful, and if we don’t take time for rest and friends and family, we could miss the blessings in it.

Finishing my project early I volunteered to fill out my mother’s Christmas cards for her. Together we sat at her kitchen table while she rummaged through all her little pieces of paper, lists, and addresses. It was quite amusing. Each card needed to be addressed in a specific way and she dictated each one.

You must admire that kind of commitment to making sure everyone you love has a personal season’s greetings from you.

After many hours of getting each just right, once done, she said, “How about tomorrow we bake cookies?”

I agreed. Why not?

To say that Dad was over-the-moon excited for my stepping in is the understatement of the year.

We spent most of the next day baking three huge batches of my grandma’s special recipe chocolate chip cookies.

And…

This will forever be one of my fondest Christmas memories. Had I been overcommitted and excessively busy I would have missed it.

May you find time for tranquility this season and time for the people who are most important.

“In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”

– John 1:4-5

Need a gift for the season? Check out books by Lucille Williams: Know someone who’s getting married? From Me to We would make the perfect gift. Want to give someone some fun laughs and a boost in their intimacy department? The Intimacy You Crave is a fun gift. Know a mom who could use some encouragement? Order a copy of The Impossible Kid.