Christmas Countdown: The Finishing Touches
December has indeed zipped by, just as expected, and Christmas is only a couple of days away now. I always hope to have everything done that needs to be done well in advance of Christmas Day, but that never seems to happen, so I am always left hurrying around, tending to the things that still need to be done. No matter how prepared we are for the holidays, there always seems to be something more to do. And that’s okay, as long as we accept that being busy is just a part of this time of the year. If at all the last minute details start to make the season more of a chore than something enjoyable, then by all means do feel free to just accept that not everything will get done, and that is okay too. The main thing that we all should be doing as December comes to a close is to be enjoying the merriment and festive nature that these last few days of the year provide.
Congress Hall, Cape May, New Jersey
I was fortunate enough to get away for a few days last week, enjoying a pre-Christmas vacation to the seaside town of Cape May, New Jersey. Walking along the gaslit streets and viewing the Victorian architecture, with the houses festooned in all of their holiday finery, was a delight. The charming town is a gem to stroll, with so many interesting homes and gardens to view, and unique stores to shop. At this time of the year in particular, with everything decorated so beautifully for Christmas, I found myself taking pictures everywhere I went, getting some good ideas for my own use next year. And as enjoyable as any vacation is, one taken during the frenzy of December can really do wonders to recharge one’s batteries and to relieve some of the stress that we all invariably feel right about now. I was a little anxious at first to even go away and to leave so much undone at home, but once on vacation all of that was instantly forgotten about and I was indeed in a different and calming world. I allowed myself to relax and to enjoy and to appreciate, knowing that soon enough I would be back home and that everything would get done in time…probably.
And of course, as happens to all good things, the quick trip away was over before I even knew it and I was back home with a list in hand of what still needed to be done to get ready for Christmas. But the time away gave me a bit of a renewal and clearing of mind, so that I was more than happy to return and to take on the rest of the chores. And I use the word ‘chores’ very lightly in regards to what needed to be done. The few last minute things were more than enjoyable to tackle, at least for me. Having to add a few extra ornaments to cover the bare spot that I saw on the dining room tree, repairing an ancient and broken Santa figure, or fixing the strand of lights that unexpectedly blew off of the planter boxes during a particularly windy, winter storm was nothing that I minded doing. For me, that is simply the ‘busy work’ of the season, and work that I enjoy.
Surprisingly, once home, I realized that I was more ahead of the game than I had thought. After making a few small purchases while away, my gift shopping was all done. The house was mostly decorated too - with perhaps just some ‘finishing touches’ in need. The baking has yet to begin (no one needed the extra temptation of passing by freshly baked cookies too early), but that will get done when it gets done, and if not, the local bake shop will be a fine alternative. Grocery shopping for Christmas dinner will be done two days before, so that’s not a worry either. The presents are wrapped. The bar is stocked. The white lights are twinkling once again on the planter boxes, as well as on the wreaths that decorate the outside of the house. Can it be; am I really all finished?
The fireplace at Elm Cottage
The list has been checked (twice in fact, for good measure) and it seems that all things are indeed on schedule. Yes, I am just now noticing that the star on top of the tree has slightly tilted to an angle that is anything but straight, and that the candle drawer is looking a little sparse, seeing that we use so many of them at this time of the year. The wood pile is going to need to be refreshed too if we plan on having a few fires between now and the New Year. And that last minute present just arrived as well - from that person you were not supposed to be exchanging with this year - so perhaps a quick trip to a nearby store will be needed in order to get just one more gift. But that can all wait - there are still a couple of days to go; I am not going to allow myself to rush or stress. Actually, I am still in a bit of a relaxed mood from my vacation. Besides, there is already a nice fire burning in the fireplace, the hint of holiday music is softly playing in the background, and the Christmas tree is looking particularly dazzling this year. So for tonight, I am just going to settle in with a good book, throw another log or two on the fire, and sit back and enjoy. The finishing touches can be done tomorrow…
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Best Wishes to All for the New Year!
Until next time…
