Sometimes simpler is better

It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season that one can soon tire.  The hectic pace, the overwhelming "need" to buy and the constant barrage of activities can outweigh the peacefulness of the season.  This year with most of my family away, things will be different.  My son, Michael, suggested that we simplify things.  So we pared down the gift list and only used a minimal of decorations.  He said he was growing weary of the glitz and glitter that always seemed to come with the Christmas Season. "Lets get back to the Bayou, Mom."  This statement made me realize that perhaps I had been snagged by the commercialism of the whole deal.  That said, we made most of the decorations or used only those that were highly sentimental for some reason.  The shiny glass baubles and glitzy metallic tinsel stayed packed in the closet.  At first, I was a hesitant. I needed my gaudy lights strung from the eaves!  I had to have the bright garland draped on the mantel!  I wanted bright bows and colorful paper wrapped around packages!  I must have lots and lots of packages that held the most unuseful items to be found on the shelves of every store!  Yes, I had reservations about this simpler Christmas.

Now that I have settled into the idea of having things be a bit more like the Bayou, itself, I find that I am enjoying it far more than I expected.  The rustic, country Christmas has fallen on the Little Bayou House like a cozy comforter.  I am happy to have a few well placed adornments instead of the bombardment of decorations.  There is something to be said for time spent with family while making paper snowflakes.  It was peaceful, loving time and isn't that what the Christmas Season should be?  Peaceful and loving?  Sometimes simpler is better.  Sometimes you have to give up a lot to understand more.  Sometimes all you need is right within your reach.  Sometimes you should listen to your kids.