As I write we are nearing the end. Only a few more days and Christmas will be upon us. This is one of those short seasons that catch us all a little off guard, and if you are not careful these last few days will be more stressful than merry.
I thought I was so clever this year. I bought my Christmas cards in January. I had plans to sign and address all of them before the end of the month. January slipped into August, but hey, still way early, right? I sat down to write my Christmas letter in October. We were already 10 months into the year and though not over, it would be easy enough to just add a few lines right before Thanksgiving to wrap it up and pop them in the mail. A little Christmas music was added for motivation. I was proud of myself for being right on target, but I couldn’t see around the bend.
Kim bought me pretty Christmas stamps that I was sticking in their appropriate place in the corner of each envelope. Guess I should have put my glasses on for this part. Didn’t think I needed them. I know where the stamps go! Not so hard. I saw the word, “Forever”, and assumed that was printed on the bottom. I was wrong, so about half my cards went out with the snow globe sideways. Do you suppose anyone noticed? “By the way Kim, how much is a stamp these days?” $.73 cents!!!! Add that to a box of cards and you have to re-evaluate your budget just to send a Merry Christmas greeting and a few words to catch up with friends. I’m beginning to understand why Facebook floods with Christmas wishes, while my mailbox holds only one or two cards every few days. I imagine there will be a future when I will have plenty of free time, because Christmas cards will be a thing of the past. I understand, but I think if that happens we will have lost something more significant than a tradition.
It was mid-November when I inserted my letter in their respective cards and stuffed envelopes. This is where I got derailed. I turned the envelopes over only to discover they were not self-sealing!!! What the heck!!! Who bought these?! Ok, I did! Why would I do that?! Rookie mistake, but I’m no rookie! I’ve been sending Christmas cards for the last 45 years! Argh! Where’s the sponge? They didn’t make it to the post office until December 9th! That’s right! You heard me!
This was going to be my year where I would spend the season relaxed, drinking cocoa, and watching Hallmark movies instead of checking my list, searching all over town and on the internet for just the right gifts. I ordered my first Christmas present on November 6th. I waited and waited, but it was lost! As in the mail lost! Okay, it happens. Just cancel that and order another one. This one coming too late for me to deliver it myself, but carefully timed to be intercepted on the front step of my son’s house….or not. It didn’t arrive. “Delayed in transit”, the message said. “Expected tomorrow”. Okay, all still good, or was it? The next day came and went, and still a no show. “Looks like it may be lost.” Lost!? How can they be so casual? We’re a week and a half out from Christmas and my package is MIA again!!! Sure I got a refund, but it doesn’t fix the fact that the clock is ticking and I am empty handed! I don’t know exactly who is to blame, but I’m blaming someone, anyone, everyone!!!! Third time is a charm, right? We’ll see. I’m watching and waiting while my well planned out schedule of being prepared before December is circling the drain. And before you chastise me for not buying local, I tried. Chasing it down locally became an adventure in itself and a story for another time, since at some point I expect this present to be a surprise whenever it arrives.
So today, the first day of winter, the gifts are wrapped, the cards sent out weeks ago, and here I sit. I’m ready for the 25th four days ahead of schedule. Not quite how I planned it, but I made it. I have the music on, the cocoa steaming, the feet up and the lights on with time left to reflect on the true reason for the season.
I hope you are ready as well, for no matter how you celebrate Christmas it waits for no one, not even the U.S. Mail. May your hearts be filled with the spirit of this special season. See ya next year.