Searching for Christmas Peace

So, I have decided that this year, Christmas for me will be all about the feeling, the love and the spirit and not just about “things”. (Now where did I see that newspaper advertisement with the coupon for 15% off at the toy store and the listing of all the specials at the mall?)
I am totally committed to slowing down and enjoying the season. (I have 15 minutes to write this before I have to leave for another Christmas party.)
I am choosing not to go overboard with the decorating this year. (“Hi Mom. Oh, yes, we finished decorating. No, we definitely trimmed back – only 5 trees this year. And really, the one in the bathroom isn’t big enough to count.”)
I realize that I may get a little bit silly when it comes to making things “Christmas-y”. (“Honey, the dog is hiding under the bed. He refuses to let me put on the reindeer antlers and elf costume.”)
I don’t want to be out of control when it comes to gift wrap. (“Hello, Dollar Tree? Can you please hold one case of that pretty red and green checked gift wrap that has the matching red velvet ribbon for me? What, you don’t put items on hold? Ok, I’ll be right there. Uh huh, I know you close at midnight. Yes, I can drive fast. You still have a couple boxes of invisible tape, don’t you?”)
I refuse to over-spend and buy presents that really don’t mean anything to anyone. (“Honestly son, how can you say you don’t need the new Chia Pet? What about the new Clapper? It has its own remote control switch now…”)
I know that normally I go over-board with eating, and therefore I really am going to control my appetite. I will eat healthy and drink less during the holidays. (“Hey, thanks for inviting me to the party! Wow, great buffet line. Is that eggnog I see next to the cheese balls? Oh, and did you make your homemade fudge again? Wine? Why thank you, don’t mind if I do!”)
I am not going to over-dress for the various functions I am attending. It’s really kind of silly. December is just another month – no need to over-do it. (“Yes, hi, I noticed the display in the window and I was wondering if you have that silver glitter blouse in my size. Oh, and those dangly earrings with the snowflakes would look perfect with the black shiny skirt. Can you please call your other store location to see if they have these black leather pumps with the silver heel?”)
I truly intend to enjoy Christmas and the things I love most: To me it is about the people and about the happy joyous feeling. It’s about lunches and parties and meeting friends for a glass of Christmas cheer. It’s about planning Christmas Eve dinner with the kids and baking cookies for Santa. It’s about watching “Christmas Vacation” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” all month long - with “White Christmas” thrown in as well. It’s about fires in the fireplace, singing along with my favorite Christmas songs, and admiring the lights and decorations in my neighborhood. It’s about laughter, and hope and realizing that this joy I feel can really be felt all year long. I vow to slow down and experience all of it. (Right after I finish addressing my Christmas Cards and putting the final touches on the wreath.)
Santa Baby, all I really want for Christmas is peace. Not just for me though – for everyone I love: for my family, for all of my friends, and finally - for the world. I vow to sit back and bask in the peace that abounds in my life…all I have to do is actually slow down to realize it’s right there in front of me.
I wish you all peace and joy and goodwill towards men. Pass the sugar cookies, please. I still have 100 cards to address.