A Holiday as Smooth as Silk

by C. K. Thomas

We’re on the cusp of Christmas.

Sometimes, just the thought of preparing for Christmas can make us feel like that ridge on a molar, the cusp, where the grind of “getting ready” lurks. It is expectations that get us down, isn’t it? Both our own and those of others tear at the fabric of what the holiday should bring.

Christmas needs to feel like silk, both smooth and enchanting. Here are a few of the thought processes that add to the pulls and rips in our imaginary fabric of Christmas:

* Thoughts of loved ones who aren’t in the photo on the front of our Christmas card anymore

* Trips on airplanes to towns far, far away, with the possibility of sleepovers in crowded airports

* Evergreens better left uncut in the forest now in our living rooms, spreading pine needles and glitter from once-treasured ornaments

* Making pies, casseroles, and impossible gingerbread houses

Does this list begin to sound a bit like that tale about a disgruntled old man with humbug on his tongue? So, let’s turn it all around and make it sound like Silver Bells, White Christmas, and All I want for Christmas is You.

* Put photos of absent loved ones on that annoying spreader of pine needles and glitter in the living room as reminders of their spiritual presence.

* Reschedule Christmas sharing with far-away friends and family for July and stay home for the holidays. After all, a favorite staple in the trunk of holiday music is I’ll be Home for Christmas.

* Order out! Grab your trusty cell phone and call A.J.’s or a similar vendor for a “pre-prepared dinner” with everything a holiday foodie could wish for.

* “What about gifts?” you ask. Get some and give some, but keep it simple. Forget the idea that the gifts you give somehow reflect all the love and care you want to heap on each person. The fun is in the unwrapping and the love really is in the thought. There are no perfect gifts.

* Have gifts wrapped at the store, bring them home, and toss them under the tree with the needles and glitter. Remember it’s going to take about 15 seconds to unwrap them.

Now, crawl into that cozy recliner, put on some Sleigh Bells Jingling music and place an Old Silk Hat on your head. Wait for Christmas morning. Santa will take care of everything else and all will be as smooth as silk!

Happy Every Kind of Holiday to All!!! Celebrate!!

_____________________

C.K. Thomas lives in Phoenix, Arizona. Before retiring, she worked for Phoenix Newspapers while raising three children and later as communications editor for a large United Methodist Church. The Storm Women is her fourth novel and the third in the Arrowstar series about adventurous women of the desert Southwest. Follow her blog: We-Tired and Writing Blog.