Feeling Christmas

I have been quiet for a while. I have been overwhelmed by a barrage of things to do that made writing seem utterly difficult. Distractions are aplenty at this time of the year. Although I know we all have to wade through it all if we can’t swim. I chose to wade because taking my own pace has made me more aware of things I meet and not just pass.

This year, I want to feel Christmas. Be in the festivities without having to be crazy about chores or be caught in the frenzy of buying last minute gifts. So I planned early on. But some plans remain good intentions. I can sense the nod.

Well, I guess some of us really end up in a pool of counterproductivity. We engage in so many lists of “to do’s” that we keep on retouching because at the end of the day, we think we really did not have the time to do them all. The day has become too short.

How occupied are we? So I decided to check this thought as I know each day tackles the same number of minutes and find myself justifying the delays I encounter as a need. Well, I need to stop and talk with a friend, as she needs me to listen. I need to linger during coffee breaks because I need to relax my mind and clear my brain to ready it for the next thing in my list. I need to list or I will get lost. I need to…

Yes, I need to review my list and see if I packed in the slack.

Leafing through some planners for next year, I noticed that some are very precise. They put in time. Making it easier to take account of the hours spent in a meeting. That is good. It helps us organize. But as we exercise discipline we must also remember our humanity. Pack in some slack.

I usually start my preparations for family shopping early in the year. Like summer. Because there are a lot of sales during summer. And it gives you ample time to focus on the people you want to share gifts with. Now, due to the hectic pace, we often find ourselves leaning on compliance gifts. Presents we buy at the nick of time to comply with the season. In the end they become a meaningless expense.

Giving delights me. I feel sad when I have nothing to share. Perhaps that is why my prayer is for God to provide me with enough for me to be generous. There is one thing I have been stingy about lately though, and that is time. Mainly because my day is always packed that I look forward to Netflix and popcorn. I know some of us in business feel the same way, but again we should not be guilty about wanting to have a little “me time” now and then.

I am fortunate to be in a job that requires me to engage. To talk with people. To know them and to be in their moments. Oh yes, there are the downs to this as well but there is nothing I would barter for a short stretch with a friend. To laugh and cry with them, argue and battle, and give in to a compromise or win together.

I also know that people are different. Some just want to be quiet and listen or observe. Some want to be the star in a discussion and some want to just keep silent, digesting the details that are both spoken and perceived. Whatever the difference, everyone has a place in this universe. Each unique feature is what makes life more interesting. As long as they don’t violate the law, their individually adds color to this volatile world. Being with people is challenging, but one has to be a person to keep up. Get me?

For now, I hope we are in this present time where gifts are secondary to the giver and the five hundred peso Noche Buena is not as significant as the people you break bread with. May we recognize that Jesus came so we can have the joy of the everlasting, even here, and now.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone.