The posts of people trying to follow The Nester's "it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful" plan for their Christmas decorations are numerous. But something got lost in translation. Because most of the folks who are taunting that phrase like a mantra have missed it. Please don't write to me about perfection and simplicity if everything in your house looks like a magazine spread. I spend everyday of the year battling perfection in my mind and actions and these posts just make it more confusing for me.
You know what posts I like to read? The ones that say nothing about fighting perfection but show homes that are lived in and are imperfectly beautiful. Most people don't want to pin pictures of their messy desk, dirty dishes, or dog hair covered floor. But in honesty those things exist because of the living that happen in homes that are well used.
So on a week that I ended up with less margin than someone like me needs...A week with two dinner parties among other things, I have a choice to make. Perfection or joy. I can choose to work my fingers to the bone pursuing the illusive perfect holiday consumed with last minute details. Or I can serve good food to people I love and linger. Take a breath, enjoy the conversation, and pray it lasts until the candles burn out. I can have perfectly sparkling floors or a nicely set table that I hope will cause my guests to ignore the floors. Personally, the table sounds like more fun to me.
With Christmas exactly one week away perhaps your to-do list is still incomplete. Lets make a pact, you and I. How about whatever isn't finished by December 20th gets crossed of the list? What if, in lieu of one more thing to fill their house, what your friends and family really want for Christmas is more of you? How about you linger longer over hot chocolate and cookies? What about that person who just wants to gaze at the Christmas tree lights curled up on the couch with you? Or the person who would love for you to watch that Christmas movie with them? Again. For the tenth time.
Perhaps giving up your perfect Christmas means you give someone else theirs? What if their perfect Christmas means simply, more of you?
I love this! Joy, your house has always felt like home to me, and I'm so glad you don't allow yourself to be overwhelmed by every detail. I've always enjoyed your home because of the fellowship we've shared there - not because of the decorations. :)
ReplyDeleteClohe, Thank You. SO. Much. That means the world to me and it's something I need to be reminded of often.
DeletePerfect! I have friends that can't believe I let the kids decorate the Christmas tree and that I don't send cards or put lights on the house. This time of year is about TIME not stuff. Thank you for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Renia. I love that your kids get to help decorate. That's how it was when I was growing up.
DeleteI have written on my blog about My Wish for a Norman Rockwell type Christmas that is never going to happen and how I have to give up that dream and celebrate Christmas for what is really is...the birth of our Savior!
ReplyDeleteSo true, Paula.
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