A CHRISTMAS WISH
It was always said of him that he knew how to keep Christmas well.
Charles Dickens
What does it mean to keep Christmas well? The most obvious meaning involves goodness and kindness to all, but I want to talk about the mechanics of getting things done today. I am still in the process of decorating this year! Usually by St Nicholas Day on the sixth I will have the tree up, and maybe even have some wrapped gifts under it. This year I am a little bit slow. Boxes are scattered everywhere, and we are still bringing decorations up from the storeroom. I love going through the boxes, because each one is like opening a gift. Some years I am more organized than others, but I always keep most of my ornaments in small tins, and wrap them in tissue paper, or even paper towels or napkins to keep them safe. I even enjoy wrapping them back up again when it is time to put everything away. I don't really decorate a lot compared to some people. I think my key word is probably Simple. I don't have a lot of shine. The colors I like best are still green and red and gold. I don't like to start until after Thanksgiving. Years like this one make me feel behind before I have even begun.
I have several small vignettes around the house, and parts of it look almost finished. But I'm afraid the tree still needs a bit of work. That will be my plan for the next few days.
I like this vintage store sign I bought years ago. It reminds us to do our Christmas shopping early. I never have. If I start early then I will buy more. It is as simple as that. No control. Really, we are not extravagant gift givers. Back when I was much more clever I made a lot of Christmas gifts. We have a large blended family now, and each one gets one gift from us.
There is a saying about gifts for children. I can't remember it exactly, but it goes like this:
ONE TO READ, ONE TO WEAR, ONE TO PLAY WITH, AND ONE TO SHARE.
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