Ok...so today was "Decorate the Christmas Tree Day". I have procrastinated long enough about getting the Little Bayou House decorated for the holidays and today was the day that it had to be done. I had threatened that if it was not at least lighted today, the tree was not going to be decorated at all this year. For that matter, nothing at the Little Bayou House would be decorated this year. I am just not feeling it. Usually, I am enthusiastic for Christmas and all its trappings but since the place will be pretty much empty for the holidays, it is hard to get excited. Part of the family is off on an island somewhere while another part will be out of state, Mark will be working far up north where ice and snow rule and Son will most likely be house-sitting. The Little Bayou House will seem mighty large and mighty empty this year.
This evening as I sit here pondering the holidays past, I glance over to see the old dog, Mr. PJ, snoozing under the half decorated tree. Thoughts of how so many things have changed in the past year for the both of us ran through my head. This will be his first Christmas in several years without little ones squealing over Santa's visit. He appears to be handling it well...better than I am. ` Dogs have this great way of adapting to situations much easier than we do, it seems.
So, the tree is half decorated, boxes of tinsel, lights and garland litter the living room, shopping remains undone and I have not the energy nor the mindset to attend any of it. I am thinking that Mr. PJ and I will enjoy a scaled down version of the holidays this year. Perhaps he and I will sit by the fire and reminisce of Christmases past or perhaps Old Santa will see fit to leave the old dog a special treat just for being such a good companion. Then again, perhaps tomorrow will find me in a frenzy to get everything bedecked in its Christmas finery...who knows.
While I love the holidays and all of the trappings that go along with them, sometimes it can all be a bit overwhelming. I have always gone all out on decorations, gifts and baking but there comes a time when all good things come to a screeching halt. Not that I have decided to forego the holidays altogether, I have just taken inventory of my own thoughts and decided to scale back a bit. Simplify! Make life easier! Save time, effort and money!
Last year, the decorations and gifts were kept to a minimum but I must admit that the baking was something that I just cannot give up! I felt more at ease and the holidays were far more enjoyable. Afterwards, cleanup was a breeze! That said, I had thoughts of doing the same this year. Box after box of lights, decorations and gift wrap were hauled from the closets and toted downstairs only to be opened, checked and toted back to the closet. Some day, I shall have the guts to discard some of the unused items but for now, they will remain in the closet. The rustic decorations that I have created look far more appropriate in the Little Bayou House anyway so there is no need to glitz everything in sight.
The house is nigh on completely decorated but with a few chosen items. Everyday things were incorporated into the decorations instead of being removed from the rooms. Already, I feel happier. Simpler is better. My brain does not feel as cluttered as that upstairs closet. Now.....about that baking. Nope...I just cannot minimize that. Cannot do it.
