Monday, December 13, 2010

Peace on Earth: In Which Sue Gets to Primp, Putter, Ponder & Pray her Way to Christmas


You know that sort of obligatory Christmas stuff that you need to get done or go to every year? Well, that was last week.

Old news. Over and done. Water under the bridge.

This week is stretching out in front of me like an open meadow, and I intend to cut a happy trail right through the center of it! Today begins my primping and puttering week...the one I completed my Christmas shopping early to enjoy...that one where I sort of wander through my Christmas preparations and tweak whatever needs tweaking before the family arrives in full force and holiday fettle. It's also the prayer and pondering week, where I actually have time to sit back and let the spirit of Christmas work its lovely magic on my heart, lest that old thing end up two sizes two small just in time to put a damper on the festivities.

The soundtrack for my merriment and musing is split rather unevenly across the years among Karen Carpenter, James Taylor, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Amy Grant, Jewel, Andrea Bocelli, Sufjan Stevens, Kalai, Chanticleer, Kenny G, Barbara Streisand, Diana Krall, Joshua James, Paul McCartney, Afterglow, Rosie Thomas, The Irish Rovers, Casting Crowns, Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme, John Denver, Paul Cardall, Straight No Chaser, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. As you can see, I like a little variety in my musical Christmasing!

The smells of the day are Gingerbread (from Yankee Candle) and Kitchen Spice (from Bath and Body Works). I am happy to say, however, that the eau de tree permeating the house is all natural.

At this point, all I can say is "God's in His heaven; all's right with the world." (Well, actually, Robert Browning said it.)

Well articulated, Bob. And Merry Christmas!

15 comments:

jen said...

I'm glad someone feels like that about this week. Mine is the complete opposite. Yikes!

Karen Sue said...

Last year we cleaned out the DVD/ CD cupboard and I put all my Christmas music together someplace safe...haven't found it yet! That's why God gave me PANDORA!!

larainydays said...

Your week sounds so idyllic. I hope it really turns out that way.

Amy said...

Oh my goodness, what a glorious week! Next year I am going to try harder to get things done early in the season so I can also sit back and enjoy the time with the kidlets and also let the Spirit of Christmas (or as President Monson says, the Spirit of Christ) permeate my heart and home.

Jocelyn Christensen said...

That's so great! And Merry Christmas to you...I like to add gifts to make last minute, but it's fun, so I can't complain!

Grandma Honey said...

I'm almost, not quite, where you are now with getting things done so I can ponder and enjoy.

yaya said...

Sue, What you really need to do is hop a plane and come and shovel snow at my house! Many benefits...calorie burning, rosy cheeks..(top and bottom), ponder time (you can think when you shovel, trust me)...Ummm, that's all I can think of. Maybe you'd better just stay home and enjoy your quiet week! Happy Christmas to you!

karen said...

You make it all sound so wonderful! Tonight is (finally) decorate the tree night. Then I'd better get busy wrapping. Baking will have to wait for the weekend. Plodding along, slowly getting through it. I just bought a Christmas CD by the cast of Glee. Great fun!

Unknown said...

I think I'm getting close to that. I have one more family to do and then I'll be done. I'm looking forward to having my girls all to myself for a short period of time.

Donna said...

I bet Christmas is one amazing time at your house! You have the perfect music and picture on your blog already and with your plans, and imagination (we know ow amazing IT is with all your fabulous writing!)it just sounds just idyllic!! Have a great time...I bet you enjoy it all like I do!!

Cheryl said...

We don't celebrate anything so it's all just another year coming to an end. Glad you're enjoying your peaceful time.

Katie said...

Well now I just want a big mug of hot chocolate with a candy cane in it! I wish I could sit back and relax! I thought I was going to be ahead of the game, but once we went out of town for a week it through me off and now I feel behind. I never got your check (I'm hoping you haven't sent it yet or that it hasn't gotten lost in the mail). I loved this post Sue.

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

I finish my preparations early every year for the same reason, Sue. Of course, had I not finished them early this year, some of the details may have gone unfinished because we are so busy.

But this is a big prayer week for me....really communing with Him. I get to take the dogs out every morning at oh dark thirty and that's when my communing starts. Today it was singing "Silent Night" while looking at the stars.

By the way, I share your broad love of music, but I'm unfamiliar with Kalai and Chanticleer.

Jess said...

I wish that was my week- but I hope you really enjoy yours. I've decided that 2011 will be the year of 'No' for me, and hopefully next Christmas I won't be the crazy person that I am now.

Darlene said...

How wonderful that you actually accomplished this. I try every year to do that, but somehow, something always comes up that has to be done. I have exactly two days scheduled for that great relaxation to come. Darn, I just remembered that I am going to have to do our team home and visiting teaching that day to finish up. We still have three to visit. Thank heavens two are in the same home! Oh well, I still have one day.............