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“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” sang the “Music of the Season” channel.

 “That’s what it’s supposed to be,” I muttered to myself.  Joy to the world was not what I was feeling as I sat behind my desk.

 I’d started making a  list of meetings, neighborhood and organization parties to attend requiring hostess and gift-exchange presents,   decorating to finish, baking still to do — all in the 12 days remaining before Christmas.

There’d be no time for a long-winter’s nap in my forseeable future.

I was beginning to feel blitzenly overwhelmed when a persistent knocking interrupted my list-making and brought me to my front door. Where, what to my wandering eyes should appear but  a deliveryman with flowers. 

There must be a mistake, I demurred — but he showed me the accompanying order with my name and address clearly evident. Then giving a nod, he turned on his heels  and flew down the stairs and out of sight. 

 I had no idea who would be sending me flowers.  Removing the protective wrapping revealed a stunning Christmas bouquet—a dozen plus velvety red and snow white roses nestled  with baby’s breath and green pine needles in a ruby red vase.   Wow.  But Who?…I  found a card tucked down inside.  A holiday gift from my two youngest sons.

For a few minutes I simply sat, savoring their love, the bouquet’s beauty, and a warmth that was now settling in around me. 

 As I leaned over to breathe in the sweet, soft scent of the roses, I glimpsed the list I’d been making just minutes ago. I decided to check it a second time.  

And behold, it came to me.  If I wanted peace and good cheer, I’d have to dashaway all the commercial messages filling the airwaves. As long as I allowed them to set their expectations for me, there wouldn’t be room in my inn to experience the reason for the season. To share love and joy.  

 I went straightaway to the computer and faced unafraid the plans that I’d made– and needed to change. I composed emails cancelling my attendance at events I was expected to attend but didn’t need or want to.  Then, with glee, I clicked  “send.” 

 Letting this once again become the hap-happiest season of all.  

Consider:

Does your calendar for the next 12 days have more “have-to-do’s” or more “get-to-do’s”?

What is the best gift you could give yourself,  your family, your friends this Christmas?