Yikes, 4 days to go til Christmas!

Today, my school let out for Christmas, or winter break as it has become to be known.  (OK, let me just clear the air.  We need to let out of school every December 15th and return every January 5th or 6th. If it is a weekend day, go back to the nearest Friday, not ahead. Then families whose children need to travel to see the other parent for custody reasons are not saddled with the most expensive airline tickets.  Teachers on a budget can more easily afford to travel.  Families can have ample time to prepare for the holiday, as well as recover from it.  Everyone could make their plans well in advance instead of stalking the public school website looking for the calendar to be released.  Just my 2 cents, but now the air is clear.)

It was a time of spreading holiday cheer, parties, getting those grades and comments submitted, navigating parents who want the mini conference during the parties, cleaning up and hoping you have enough steam to make it home and do something about the fact that you have purchased zero gifts.  Not an exaggeration--zero.   Well, except for the gifts I bought for my students last night.  Last minute, but done.

As we get ready for the holiday at my house, (baking cookies, going to party, family gatherings and church, and planning and preparing meals, purchasing and wrapping presents, and spending family quality time) I realize I'm going to have to prioritize, to take a deep breath and to be in the moment.  Whatever isn't finished or perfect, well, it's going to have to be okay.  I refuse to lose the joy of the season in the trappings of the season.  How about you?

It's the most wonderful time of the year, after all.

It's the most wonderful time of the year
With the kids jingle belling
And everyone telling you "be of good cheer"
It's the most wonderful time of the year

It's the hap-happiest season of all
Need to send holiday greetings
The time is just fleeting on Amazon I'll call
It's the hap-happiest season of all

There'll be parties for hosting
Marshmallows for toasting
And trying to tie a nice bow
There'll be times to remember throughout all December

Of Christmases long, long ago

It's the most wonderful time of the year
There'll be much mistletoeing
And hearts will be glowing when loved ones are near
It's the most wonderful time of the year

There'll be time for reflection
Perhaps not for perfection
But we'll think of the babe long ago
It's the best of all stories
They sing of  His glories
Of the first Christmas so long ago

First published December 21, 2017