Slooooww Down!

Typically, my life is moving in a direction of a speed that is too fast to describe. My weeks normally go something like this: work, school, grocery store, homework, church, homework, homework, and homework. I feel like I live in a tug-of-war battle between social activities and homework. Doing fun things always are more enjoyable (obviously), but there is always this cloud of "deadlines to meet" hovering over my head. In the midst of it all, it is very easy to let moments and memories fly by. Before I know it, another week has passed of going through the "motions"

Recently, I've made it a point to slow down and actually enjoy the small things in life. As in, opening the windows on a beautiful Saturday and enjoying the cool breeze blowing through the house. The small things in life like curling up on the couch with a blanket and a good book. I've enjoyed spending more time at home lately. It feels good to relax and not to have a schedule of demands waiting on me!

I'm looking forward to the holiday season. Last year, I don't think I stopped going from Thanksgiving to Christmas. It seemed like every day I was walking in the door from work to wrap a present really quick, leave the wrapping paper mess everywhere because I was in such a hurry, then run out the door to the next party. It flew by so fast. I remember on Christmas Eve, when I finally settled in with my family, I said "I'll be glad when all of this is over." My dad looked at me and said, "the holidays aren't meant to be rushed, people just make it that way." He is so true. I remember not even being able to enjoy the Christmas tree at my house because I was always in a rush to do something else. I was tempted to leave it up during January so I could enjoy it. By no means am I saying that Christmas parties and events are not fun---because I love them all!  I love to give gifts, and I love to socialize. I love entertaining and I love to have the matching dishes for every holiday. I love every season, and every holiday. I think every holiday needs celebrating, and my house needs to be decorated for every month, including Valentine's Day. But there has to be a balance.

This year, I'm not going to make it about the hustle and bustle so much. I'm going to make it about the season. I'm going to enjoy being with my family. I'm going to enjoy going to Christmas parties because that's what you do during this time of year. I'm going to go the mall and enjoy shopping rather than feeling like I'm in a race to find a "suitable gift." I'm going to enjoy my Christmas tree at night. I'm going to enjoy wrapping presents in my pajamas with Christmas music playing because I want to, and not because I have 5 minutes to get out the door to the next event. I'm going to curl up on my couch and watch Christmas movies and drink hot chocolate and enjoy every minute of it. I'm going to slow down and embrace what this season is really about. If a present doesn't get purchased, life will still go on. Because it's not about buying the next gift. And it's not about who has the best holiday attire. It's about celebrating the birth of Jesus. And He deserves us to slow down and remember that.

I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who feels like a crazy woman during the holidays. But, regardless of how demanding your schedule may be, don't let the memories pass by because of the rush. And don't let the rush of the season pile on top of the real reason for such a great celebration.

So, curl up on your couch. Light a holiday scented candle. Drink some flavored coffee. Grab a good book. Play some holiday music. Read the Christmas story. Slow down a little. Enjoy the blissful moments. Every. Single. One. Of. Them.