Around the beginning of October, I happened across this adorable little ghost while out shopping. I was smitten … and in a moment of impromptu-buying it came home with me.
The reason I liked it so much was because, with the election looming, it seemed as if just about everyone was “freaking out!” This cute little ghost was a perfect illustration of everyone in the world “freaking out!”
I set it up on my kitchen shelf.
And it made me smile every time I walked past.
Halloween came and went.
The election came and went.
And the adorable little “freaking out!” ghost continued to sit on my kitchen shelf … and bring a smile.
Hubby and I were online ordering our Christmas cards, when I came across two particular cards which I fell in love with. I absolutely love cards which are little pieces of artwork. We ordered these two “little pieces of artwork” … and when the cards arrived in the mail, I couldn’t wait to set them up as my very first Christmas decorations!
Here you can see one of my “little pieces of artwork.” Isn’t it great! (check out Megan Nielsen at Canyon & Cove | Art Prints, Greeting Cards, Stickers & more… – Canyon & Cove Art)
This card is propped up against a candle on my kitchen counter where I can see it all the time! I love it!
The second card I decided would go perfectly on my kitchen shelf. However, I didn’t have a card-stand, or anything to prop it up against.
It just so happened that the little “freaking out!” ghost was sitting right where I wanted to put my brand-new “little piece of artwork” … why not just use the “freaking-out!” ghost as my card-stand?
Voila! Works perfect!
Every time I come and go through the kitchen, I see my “little piece of artwork” and it makes me smile!
It occurred to me the other day that while the scene on the front of the card is depicting friends having a wonderful, fun time together for the Holidays … behind the scenes, it was being held up by “freaking out!”
Isn’t this what the Holidays are like for most of us?!!
We want to have fun Holidays – just like the front of the card depicts.
But behind the scenes we are all “freaking out!”
For example, I have been in the thick of Thanksgiving meal preparations. This is the first year I have ever attempted to prepare a variety of gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free Thanksgiving meal options … while at the same time, all the traditional beloved family favorites!
It is a terrifically fun challenge!
While at the same time – a bit overwhelming!
Then there are the Christmas boxes which need to be packed and shipped. Gifts to be wrapped. Letters for special little friends up in Alaska which need to be written. Birthdays too! Birthday gifts to be wrapped and birthday boxes to be shipped!
Holiday events to attend!
Holiday travel coming up soon!
You have your own list. I’m guessing yours is probably overwhelming too!
Just like my “little piece of artwork” sitting on my kitchen shelf, we portray to the world this beautiful scene of what a wonderful time we are having for the Holidays. While behind the scenes – we are freaking out!
Freaking out to get it all done!
Freaking out wanting it to all be perfect!
Freaking out with dread over strained relationships & tense, tenuous upcoming gatherings!
Freaking out because we don’t have enough energy, or time, or money for it all!
I’ve been pondering these thoughts, every time I see my “little piece of artwork” propped up on “freaking out!” ghost. And it occurred to me … what matters most??
* What matters most is that the forest friends on the front of my card are spending time together!
* What matters most is that the forest friends on the front of the card are having fun!
* What matters most is that the forest friends are making memories!
The same thing is true about the other “little piece of artwork” propped up against the candle. What matters most is that the animal friends are having fun together! They are baking cookies together! They are making memories together!
That is what matters most!
People!
People are what matters most!
As we each rush headlong into the Holidays … and as we feel the stress of preparations … may we each remember what matters most!
* What matters most is our family! And our precious friends!
* What matters most is the love we share together with them!
* What matters most is the time we spend together with them!
* What matters most is the conversations we have together with them!
It’s not the perfect meal … or the perfect decorations … or the perfect gifts, wrapped in perfect packaging.
What matters most is people!
