I am in the middle of the insanity that practically everyone I know understands.  Rushing around to get all of the chores done. Shopping for the “perfect” presents, the “perfect” tree.

At this time of year I always say I will change the way we do things. Plan far in advance, maybe start shopping in June and wrap gifts months in advance. Never seems to happen that way. It seems to always be last minute rush, stress and confusion. I know I am not the only one this is happening too but figured I wanted to ask myself this question: WHY!?

We lose the real meaning of this time of year. We spend so much time on the tree, gifts, food etc. that we lose sight of what is important. Going to the store, driving on the street, I am confronted by the truth, people lose all sense of courtesy and kindness during this time of year.

Why must the tree be perfectly straight? Why do we have to outdo each other with the gifts that we buy? Who cares if the turkey is overdone? How did we ever get to this place? This craving for perfection that leads us to forget all that we know we should hold dear.

The real meaning of this time of year is love.  A time to sit back, take a look at what we have and spend time being thankful for it all. Why don’t we take the time to share what is important, the togetherness of those we love, the true act of kindness for one another. Why do we become these raving maniacs racing from one store to another with no time to smile or talk to those around us. What does it get us? What do we leave in our wake as we scramble from one counter to another pushing those in our way?

I for one am going to change as of this moment!  At least give it a good try. I want to take the time to just sit back and think about all that has happened during this year. Take the time to look around me and recognize that the important things are love, kindness, togetherness. Enjoying the presence of those I love and just spending time in front of the fire, cozy and warm and reading a good book!