Why is it we make life so complicated

[homesteadmamma]

I was laying in bed this morning thinking about this. I guess especially at this time of the year, I ponder more on this than normal. We run around like chickens with our heads cut off in a complete frenzy at this time of the year. We run from mall to mall, purchasing stuff that most don't even want. We buy more and more for our kids when in actuality all they want is more of us. We cook and bake when really most of us need to not eat as much as we do. We visit and go to this and that, when really all we want to do is stay home, have a nice quite evening with family or friends or just chat with our dh/so, sipping a cup of hot chocolate and relaxing the night away. We can't do that, our calendars are FULL.

Why is it we can't sit and listen to the quiet for 15, 30 or 60 minutes in a day?

Why is it when we decorate our tree, we can't take the time to reminisce about times past? Why can't we take the time to remember that special ornament we purchased right after our first child was born, or our first ornament as newly weds. Why is it we can't even take the time to remember our first Christmas tree in our own home?

Why is it when we do all the Christmas baking we feel we MUST do we can't take the time to remember when little hands helped us bake it? Why is it we can't take the time to have our kids help decorate it? Why is it when we make a Gingerbread house, we can't sneak a candy here or there off it for fear it won't look good?

Why is it that each Christmas gift has to be wrapped perfectly? Why is it we don't let little ones wrap gifts?

Why is it we can't sit and listen to the music of the season? By listening, I mean sitting and actually listening to the words of the songs? Why is it we can't sit and think about the true meaning of Christmas? Why is it we can't think about the season and how it came to be?

Why is it that we can't think about not buying anything to put under the tree, but instead placing under the tree only handmade goods? Why is it we have to have more rather than less under the tree?

Why is it we can't be thankful for the beautiful season God has given us - winter? Why is it we can't see beauty that surrounds us? Why is it we can't be thankful we don't have hurricanes like Kim suffered through this year or tornadoes that many go through? Why is it we complain so much about the snow or cold rather than being thankful for the seasons we have?

Why is it we can't just relax when in a long lineup of cars? Why can't we than just sit quietly, meditating or praying or just sitting with out thoughts? Are we so afraid of our thoughts? Why is it when were in a line-up in a store, we can't say to the young mom with screaming children, you go ahead of me, I have all the time in the world?

Why is it we can't visit a nursing home and sit just listening to lonely hearts at this time of the year?

I just don't understand why we make our life so complicated especially at this time of the year. I just don't understand why we can't delight in the wonder of one row of lights on a home. I just don't understand why we can't delight in making snow angels in the snow or watching the diamonds glisten from a fresh snowfall. I just don't understand why we can't delight more in the things that surround us.

Our dd has taught us much about living life in the present and celebrating. To her a string of lights is beautiful, to her seeing the the night sky brings a smile to her face. To her making a gift in the workshop with dad and keeping it a secret for months brings joy. To her living life means living it to the fullest. When around her I'm always reminded of what "uncomplicated" really is.

Thoughts???

[Tootsiebella]

Cj- Certainly some thoughts worth pondering- I think sometimes we are so caught up in constant motion, non-stop action, etc- we have forgotten the need to quiet our minds. If we did just- stop- take a breath, have a cup of cocoa, or a walk in the fresh winter air, perhaps we might be able to still our minds- and in doing so- appreciate all the wonderful facets of life that you mentioned above. Maybe that should be a challenge? I think if each of us were able to still our minds and spirits, we would truly be able to appreciate the wonder of the season in a much happier, and more tangible way.

[DaisyLady]

It is so unfortunate that a lot of us think we have to live life screaming down the fast lane.

I am so grateful that I have decided to choose the other path. The one that plodds along through the back roads.

I get so much satisfaction in doing some the the things you mentioned...like letting the mother with the little children go ahead of me in line at the store. The look on their faces is more priceless than just about any thing I can think of.

It seems that the more I take the time to stop and appreciate what is around me, or to help out some one, or to say no to one more just one more committee, the more I am blessed with a feeling of peace and contentment.

[Mom23boys]

Great thoughts CJ. I am glad that I too am taking the other road.

I always let my kids decorate the tree. They love it. I don't go back and rearrange it either. I take pride in what they have done. Also, I don't rush out and buy new ornaments every year. Our ornaments hold memories and I love listening to the boys while they are putting them on the tree...saying remember this one or this one?

I have also learnt that less is more. I have not made the made rush to the stores to buy up everything even though it is on sale. I think that we have more than we need and am only buying so much for our children. They are also learning this lesson.

Usually by this time, I would have a stack of presents under our tree, but this year there isn't one present under there. I am not in a rush to get it done. I want to relax and enjoy the season.

We have already bagged up can goods to take to charities and we have some new toys to donate to Toys for Tots or Salvation Army. I would rather give than receive.

[i.m.cheap]

I certainly don't rush out to the malls during December, or November either. If we have a gift or two under the tree for dd, that is enough for us. Most years I don't even send out Christmas cards. We just refuse to give in to the pressure of what everyone thinks Christmas should be like.