Tammi's World

Share the Spirit

I am having the best time. Mama and I are puttering around the house (between me creating presentations and taking care of business) putting out my Christmas stuff. This is the first year in 9 years that I've put it all out.

Now let me make one thing clear. I LOVE ALL THINGS CHRISTMAS!!! It is, hands down my very favoritist holiday. Each and every year I start thinking - IN JULY - about what I want to put where, buying up my favorite scents and checking out any and all Christmas decorations. Then over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend IT starts. The official decorating of the obode.

But what usually happens is this. I get all the boxes out, rearrange furniture for proper tree placement, get the tree up and unpack all the ornaments. As I start to place the ornaments in just the right spot, music adding that perfect motivation I start daydreaming. I imagine the dinner parties, the cocktail gatherings, my house just filled with laughter and chatter. The smells of the holiday wafting in every corner. Apple, cinnamin, spices, and a hit of vanilla. I start to formulate the guest lists, and pull together a menu. Then it hits me. I live too far away. It would be impossible to pull everyone together. It won't happen.

At that point I would sit down on the couch, light a cigarette and pour myself a drink. I'm done. Oh, I'd finish the tree (maybe) but then everything else would be put back into what ever storage spot I had.

Christmas is to be shared. It's the nature of the holiday. What is getting me so motivated this year is the fact that my family is here (and coming). Mama and I are really enjoying discovering all the stuff I have. Putting it all in just the right place. She's getting a kick out of how anal-retentive I am about what goes where and how it needs to flow through the house. I'm thrilled that I will have a child in my house this holiday season. I've planted all sorts of surprises throughout every room. Little things you don't notice at first glance. You need to really pay attention.

Holidays are for sharing. That's what makes it such a tough time for so many people. Do me a favor. Please? I know this is a busy time for everyone, but pay attention to what is going on around you. You know someone that is single? Invite them over for an evening. Doesn't have to be a big thing, just a dinner, or a Christmas card. Christmas brings out the lonelies. Even the strongest, most independent hurt just a bit if they are alone during this time. Reach out to them. Include them. Believe me, it will mean more than you will ever know.

Something as simple as a dinner, cocktails or just a plate of goodies can make someones holidays.

Posted by Tammi at December 3, 2004 08:42 AM | TrackBack