un-orchestrated

Is it just me or do others become obsessed with the task of making the holidays special, memorable, God-centered? Okay, okay...that was a rhetorical question. I know the answer. However, something happened the other day that made me relax a bit...

It was last Friday, the day after Thanksgiving and we were just hanging out at home as a family. And then it it started snowing--the first snow of the year! Oh, it was magical! We usually have snow earlier than this so it was much anticipated and the boys were watching with wide eyes as the flakes covered the ground. I can't remember who said it first, but Joel and I were in agreement...we just had to put up the tree!

Typically, I would want everything to be at least semi-orderly, and would put a lot of effort into making the whole decorating process really special and memorable. But without any preparation at all, it just happened....the magic! You know, the magic:)

With Christmas music in the background, we tripped over boxes of ornaments and small children to get our little tree set up, lit, and decorated. We all ate peppermint sticks and everyone was allowed to hang ornaments. Then, as the decorative moss went flying everywhere, we brought the nativity scene out of the box and the boys had fun playing flying angel-guy.

No, our tree doesn't look perfect, and yes we had a few ornament casualties and sticky, peppermint fingerprints were everywhere....but it was perfect! It was festive, it was memorable, and we even had good conversation about how baby Jesus could be bigger and better than a super-hero.

I guess I just realized that the "moments" I strive and hope for during the holidays often cannot be orchestrated. My new hope for the weeks ahead is that we are flexible as a family and make time for those un-orchestrated Christmas moments to happen...