Ok. Listen up.
Christmas is not the one day when everything has to be perfect.
Tattoo this on the inside of your eyelids:
I CANNOT MAKE THE PEOPLE AROUND ME HAPPY. Now say it like you mean it.
It’s nice that you want to. (well, sort-of)
… But it’s completely out of your control.
Even if you open a vein and bleed into each individually-rolled salmon pinwheel, it will not be enough.
No amount of trilling, charades or offers of tea will disguise the fact that Uncle Sam is an alcoholic.
John will hate what you buy him and ask for the gift receipt.
The right pair of socks will not provoke grandad to finally say he loves you.
Jenny will pick at a salad. And in the morning you’ll find the empty wrappers.
Your mother will tell you she wanted a boy.
…and if you try to fix them
if you try to make it perfect,
your head will. actually. explode.
So
Step away from the queues and the expectations
and
Run to the manger.
To the Christmas marked ‘He Is Enough’ – and, – ‘Out of My Hands’.
The government is on His shoulders. Not yours. But no matter how hairy it gets, He’s with you in the mess.
brilliant reminder of what is important amidst the madness of Christmas, thanks!
Thanks for the reminder Emma.
As always, brilliantly written.
x
Good thoughts. This also occurs to me: being NICE is not the same as loving people. Silently going along is not the same as forgiveness. It’s been a bad year for dealing with family of origin, so its really sweet to read this post. I guess I’ll be seeing you at the manger. Thanks and…Merry Christmas!
I am finding it hard to get into sadi ‘Christmas spirit,’ partly because for me it is a week just like any other. I am working 4 night shifts over Christmas, so they will be the same as any other night I work.
That’s a great point Caroline. I guess nice is surface, but loving gets under the skin – to the uncomfortable, prickly parts as well as the more acceptable bits
Black Rose – will be thinking of you over Christmas. x
Yes, there was a mess and yes, Jesus was there. I had my “good enough” christmas, I hope you did too! :)