Here we go again. In the rush and busyness of life, it has been a cool month since I published a blog post. What will it take for me to slow down and share a few thoughts with my readers?
As it turns out, all I needed was a little inspiration from Rachel over at Home Sanctuary. In yesterday’s post, she admits that her Christmas-prep countdown makes her feel “like I’m in a mighty rushing river, heading for an enormous waterfall. Powerless to stop the current of the clock, I’m trying to keep my head above water long enough to make it to the shore of wrapped presents and stamped Christmas cards.” She asks, “Will someone please throw me a lifeline of gingersnaps so I can survive?”
Then this gutsy lady takes charge. “But rather than flailing about with no direction,” she says, “I’ve decided pull myself together, get to the shore and….dance.” Citing the smooth 1-2-3, 1-2-3 rhythm of the waltz, Rachel challenges her readers to pick just three Christmas tasks and get them done.
Three things? Why, I can do that! I need to, since I have been flitting about from one task to another, addressing two Christmas card envelopes and then wandering off to find someone else’s address, then seeing some clothes that need to go in the laundry and forgetting to go back to the envelopes. Never mind actually signing the cards.
We even decorated our tree that way… Brent put the lights on, while I got distracted and sat at the computer. Then I heard him start hanging ornaments and went to help him. Moments later he got sidetracked by something else. I don’t know… it took hours and neither of us really remember doing it. Sort of like elves decorated the tree for us. The elves used lots fewer ornaments than we usually do, but I actually think this year’s tree looks better than ever. And our children will be happy to know that we left off the old paper-doily and aluminum-foil ornaments they made when they were little.
But as I was saying before I got distracted again, even I can write down three little things and stay focused long enough to accomplish them. Well, maybe if I tape the list to the back of my hand. So, here is the first measure of my own Christmas Waltz. Count with me:
1-2-3, 1-2-3…..
1. Publish a blog post so my readers know I am still functioning and not curled up under the breakfast table in a fetal position. And that I still like Christmas. No, wait–I still love Christmas.
2. Finish re-decorating our front-door wreath, which has grown scruffy over the years. Before/after photos to follow, this week. Hold me to that, will you?
3. Park myself in my chair and finish the Christmas cards. Incentive: I give myself permission to go Christmas shopping only after the cards are done. Hmm… maybe some chocolate to sweeten the deal.
So there you have it. I can feel myself swaying to the rhythm, plus I am already done with the first item. Now, off to get started on the second item… whatever it was…
Merry Christmas!
Thanks for reading,
Jan
PS: I am also hoping to pass along the inspiration to my Soli Deo Gloria sisters at this week’s blog party!
Jan C Johnson, Writer 
lol, this is definitely the time of year to get sidetracked! Way to go on getting down 3 things, when we focus on one thing at time it does make things easier, but I know how hard that can be when you have a million things going on at a time. Even as I write this I’m thinking about the laundry and dishes and lunch that I haven’t gotten to yet!
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So glad you understand! Did you ever get that laundry done? Or more importantly, eat lunch?
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this made me laugh alot. It is so me….my oldest says to me sometimes, “are you crazy?” and this time of the year….I have a hard time defending myself….maybe I am, if someone saw how I go from one thing to another in the matter of a few minutes, I wonder if my kids knows~ha! I hear you on all of this and picturing me in all of it….you kill me!
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Right you are. When my boys were home I’d often tell them, “There’s nothing wrong with your mother!” and they’d just give me these knowing looks… Thanks for stopping by, my friend.
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Oh, and a 4th thing….
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What, you’re adding more stress?? Better watch it or you may get coal in your stocking!
😉
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Is this you, Jan? http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6oHBG3ABUJU#!
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Why, yes. Yes, it is me. And here I thought the British accent would shield my true identity.
Love ya!
jj
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Jan
This is so true to how I handle Christmas. But just in slow dance. I take a nap in between.
Love
Mom
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Hi, Mom! “Slow dance” … what a GREAT idea! Naps, too.
Love you!
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Great advice about using the Waltz rhythm to refocus. This could work well for other times than the holidays.
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Hi, 2wheeler! Glad you found this helpful. It’s so easy for me to lose focus… you’re right, maybe I can get in the habit and continue the “dance” through the new year.
Best,
Jan
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Pingback: Christmas Waltz Part 2 | Joywriting: Everybody Has a Story
Oh, Jan….smiling here. We HAVE no Christmas per se, as Bill’s knee surgery has curtailed all hauling of boxes. So–we have an artificial tree sitting in the dining room, replete with it’s own ‘decorations.’ That’s it. I’m okay with Christmas being a little different.
However, I DO have grandkid gifts to wrap and deliver next week….must. get. to. that.
So glad you’re ‘back.’
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I sure hope Bill’s recovery is going well. Yes, when we dial back the expectations we can enjoy the unexpected or different.
What fun, doing stuff for grandkids!
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