Sunday, December 6, 2009

A perfectly imperfect Christmas

For some people, this really isn't the most wonderful time of the year. Things can be a little overwhelming with all the shopping, gift wrapping, decorating, cooking, baking, cleaning, entertaining and wanting everything to be perfect.

Unfortunately, so many people complain about this time of year, almost as if they dread it. They say "I can't believe Christmas is almost here already"! As for me, I say "I can't believe Christmas is almost here, finally!".

I think what helps me to retain some sense of sanity this time of year is refusing to let perfection be my guide. The truth is I can't handle having to have every little detail be perfect. I don't have that much energy!

No, I'll never have the perfect outfit that matches my kitchen that matches my tablescape that matches my food that matches my drink. And that's exactly what I was thinking when I sat down last week to watch one of my favorites on the Food Network, Sandra Lee.


Isn't that beautiful though? All the red and white everywhere. I sat there on the couch, surrounded by my imperfect decorations, next to my Christmas tree missing its angel which I can't find. And I thought "what a great job she did"!

I really enjoyed seeing all the effort that she put into this episode. Like so many other women, she is an inspiration to me. I thought her table was so pretty I just had to take a picture to show you. But, I sat there enjoying my hot cocoa knowing full well this isn't my reality and feeling completely fine with it.

So, this year again, I will continue to relax instead of letting the hectic pace of the season get to me. I will continue to strive for nice and simple and easy. That's how I stay happy in the midst of such busyiness.

Because did you hear? Christmas is almost here, finally!

{hugs}

15 comments:

Nanette said...

That's funny! Everything really did match, I can't even imagine.
Valerie

Debbie said...

That's pretty interesting. It is pleasing to the eye and obviously requires a lot of thought to get everything matching like that. That's the part that worries me; 'a lot of thought'. I tend to tire of things fairly quickly, so imagine the trouble and expense of having to make and match everything around my changes. I get woosy thinking about it. I'll bet she, like Martha, has a lot of help!
Debbie

Elena said...

I'm with you, I love Christmas but I don't want to stress about the details. I just want to enjoy the Lord and my friends and family!!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

LOL! Loved this. I actually am late getting things done, but I will keep Christmas up till several weeks after it is over. I plan to enjoy it once things go up. Having workmen at Christmas has nearly turned me into Scrooge. ;-) But alas, I can't wait to get some things up soon.

XO,

Sheila :-)

Linda said...

I like your approach much better Melody. I think it is entirely possible that we would miss the best part of Christmas if we tried too hard to make it all perfect.

Unknown said...

Well, her "set" is indeed very pretty and her outfit too. But I think I'd feel more comfortable at your kitchen table!

I hope you have a perfectly imperfect Christmas.

magnoliasntea said...

True! Oh, I bet if you read the credits it took a ton of people to pull of that look. We know it's all for the sake of sellin' something, anyways. You won't believe this..but guess what; we don't own a tv. We've been tv free and tickled senseless with our state of ignorance for years. NO pressure is good. We love it. We get our news (if we even want any) from the internet. I do appreciate technology! Happy guilt-free holidays. :)

Lib said...

I'M with You!I did see her Christmas Special and enjoyed watching.
I shop yr. around ,and decorate early so I can set back and relax and enjoy the Season and the True Meaning !
Blessins',Lib

tea time and roses said...

Like you, I love Christmas and are so excited when the time finally arrives. No stress, fuss, or muss just a wonderful time with family and friends. Happy week to you!:o)

Smiles...

Beverly

ChaChaneen said...

This truly is the BEST time of the year and I'll 'clink' my glass with yours... hmmm perhaps we'll do Pink Champagne to go along with Sandra's stunning decorations. I lurve her show too and enjoy all the creative ideas she gives.

Anonymous said...

I think a stress free Christmas is the way to go!

Susan B said...

I always liked to watched Sandra Lee for that reason. I liked how she matched her kitchen with her clothes, table and food. I prefer simple and uncomplicated myself. I hope you have a lovely Christmas.

Raise Them Up said...

You crack me up! But I'm right there with you. :) If we spent that much time making sure everything is just perfect, we might miss out on the really good stuff. (Not to mention, the fun!)

Hugs

Elizabethd said...

Beautiful though it is, there are so many more important things than matching decorations!

Tori Leslie said...

Amen, Amen and Amen! forget all the stress that steals the joy of the season. I'm with you!
It'll be over soon, sadly!