The quiet before the storm

Sometimes it’s just nice to sit, and do nothing but enjoy the peace and quiet, before the craziness of  the holidays begins.

Today, I will try to make that happen. So far, so good – but it’s only 5.32am, and “not a creature is stirring, not even a  mouse”.  Pretty cool that the loudest sound is me pecking away at the keyboard – while typing this one.

Anyways, as the furnace just kicked on thanks to the setback thermostat programming of our chosen “awake” time, it reminds me of how lucky we are to have a home. I am so very grateful for that because, sadly, not everyone can enjoy the holidays, or a family gathering, in the warmth of a place they call home.

Soon, the holiday parties will begin. Family party on Sunday, another on Monday , which is Christmas Eve, and then again on Tuesday – Christmas Day, followed by another on Wednesday with our dear friends and their families. The quiet and relaxed sounds are about to get cranked up, and the pace will steadily increase.  The shopping and decorating is complete, so now is the time to rest and prepare for all that is ahead.

Christmas is a time of joy. I enjoy, seeing all the family – everyone that is so dear to me. I love getting a chance to see how all the kids have grown, and talk to them about what they are doing, offering my “sage” advice, as all good members of our family so often do.

The noise level goes up exponentially with the entrance of every family and person attending the gathering. So, with my family it gets pretty loud – simply due to the fact that we are a big family. I feel bad for folks that don’t have anyone to enjoy the company with. I am so grateful to have a loving & caring family – especially at this time of the year.

Every year, when we gather as a family – we try to do something fun. To laugh and enjoy the time we have together. In our clan, we don’t “require” participation – so, you are welcome to join in if you want to, and if you don’t – that’s okay too.  We do the typical adult gift exchange – thank goodness it’s not the white elepahnt type where the same gift gets wrapped and shipped off to the next unsuspecting sole year after year – I’m not a big fan of that one, as you can see.

And, we will have cards and games for entertainment purposes for anyone that wants to do that. A couple years ago, we had a blast with a game which may or may not smash whipped cream in your face called Pie in the Face.  It was so much fun watching the little ones laugh so hard at seeing the Aunts, Uncles, Moms, Dads, Sisters and Brothers – get a pie in the face! The sound of the laughter of children is sooo infectious and wonderful to hear. I am grateful to be able to laugh and have fun with the kids.

I haven’t always enjoyed the hustle bustle of the holiday season. The stress and lack of time to do everything that was needed and planned – took its toll – and diminished the happiness that should have been felt.  Now that I’m older, circumstances are different and far less stressful – I look forward to the season. It is a time filled with fun, laughter, and enjoyment. I feel bad for anyone that doesn’t have the opportunity to feel this way, and I am grateful for our continued good health and well being.

I highly suggest before the craziness begins in the next few days, find a place where you can enjoy the quietness – take a moment for yourself – contemplate the wonderful life, friends, and family that you will soon be surrounded by.  Give Thanks to God for all you have, and pray for the less fortunate.

The silence is once again broken by a high pitched beeping, signaling that the coffee maker has finished dripping 12 cups of water through the machine. Thus signaling that day has officially begun.

Well…

Enough of this. Silence is over rated, anyways.

Time to go get this day started.