The Dynamic Duo

UltraMom here, and as we all know, “Tis the season.” Just 3-4 more days til Christmas, depending on whether you count the little bit left that is today or not. It seems that the older I get the faster this season comes around again, but that is a common complaint of the age-enhanced. Of course there are aspects of the season that I enjoy: most notably getting to spend time with family members I don’t often see. I enjoy all the Christmas lights, and even put a string of white lights up myself around the railing of my little front porch to welcome me as I arrive home from work after dark. I enjoy some of the Christmas songs, and I will enjoy singing the Christmas Cantata at church. I enjoy the sugar cookies I make once a year (I actually enjoy those TOO much), and who doesn’t like getting presents? But of course, sometimes it all just seems like too much. There’s the pressure of sending cards, purchasing gifts, all the “Are you ready for Christmas?” and crowded stores and frantic, weary shoppers. There is the obligatory guilt that I have so much and so many people have so little, and the fact that I’m not doing anything about it. And the let down feeling once it is all over and the kids have gone back to their own lives and the world is ordinary and orderly once more.
This year has been especially difficult for me, as blessed as I am compared to many, many others. I had some stressful things happen at work, plus the busyness of school. UltraDad is now living some 80 miles away now, so that has been an adjustment. But the season is unrelenting and marches ahead whether I am ready or not, so I have had no choice but to get ready after a fashion. UltraDad helped me assemble my “tree” and string the lights on, and I managed to get the decorations on over a several day period and it looks very nice and festive. Gradually, the rest of the obligatory Christmas ornamentation spread to the rest of the house. The baking got done, the cards written and the packages mailed. Some, but not all of the shopping is done.
And I am ready for some company to enjoy it all with me. Hurry home, Johnny and Jim.

UltraMom

PS Congratulations Chenoa and Mike on a beautiful new baby girl: Rowan Jerry Allen. Drive safely, Pat, as you travel to meet your granddaughter.