Friday, December 25, 2009

It's Christmas Eve!

It's Christmas Eve and I find myself at loose ends a bit. There's not much on TV tonight. There's not much to read on blogs but wishes for a merry Christmas. So what do I do with myself?

Everything's ready--in fact, many of our celebrations, get togethers, and gift exchanges are done. The Wild Child won't be able to come for Christmas tomorrow, but we had a nice visit with her last weekend, so we will have to be content with that for now. Soccer Son and his Lovely Wife-to-be-Someday will come tomorrow afternoon to visit and have dinner with us. Dinner will be simple but good--steaks, sauteed mushrooms, green beans, mashed potatoes, and salad. Tonight they're celebrating Christmas with her family.

Oftentimes on Christmas Eve it feels to me like the world is waiting. Waiting for Christmas to arrive. It's quiet. The neighbors across the street are having a party, but still it's quiet in our neighborhood. Hubby is drowsing in his recliner. Spike and Stitch have been asleep on our bed all evening, no doubt dreaming of Santa and the mice they hope he'll leave in their stockings.

My office surprised us by closing early today, so I was able to come home this afternoon and take a nice nap--curled up with the cats! I awoke to a feeling of drowsy contentment and peace.

Tonight I've spent time thinking about the people in my life and how they're spending the holiday. Many will be with friends and family in large celebrations, many will observe the holiday in small, close gatherings, and some will spend the day alone. "Alone" does not have to mean "lonely" though. After all, I think most of us understand we can be "lonely" in a crowded space. Anne Sutton over at Bunny Hill expressed my sentiments about being alone on Christmas perfectly HERE. I DO hope that if you're alone this Christmas, you're still able to find joy and contentment in your heart and occupation for your hands; and if you're not alone but are lonely anyway--I hope you will soon find the time and space to engage in something that brings you joy, particularly if it will also bring you into contact with others.

As for me and my Christmas Eve LACK of plans, it feels like WEEKS since I've been in the Sweat Shop, working on anything other than Christmas gifts. Tonight I have visions of basket blocks floating in my head. I think I'll make myself a cup of hot chocolate and head in. I've told myself the same thing several evenings recently and never carried through because it got too late in the evening, but with the nice nap I had after work today and nothing planned for tomorrow until the afternoon . . . well, I think I'll go wait for Christmas to arrive surrounded by fabric.

Merry Christmas to you and may you find joy and peace during this holiday season!

8 comments:

els said...

You're not alone tomorrow on Christmas Day, although the fabric stores are closed!!!
Have a 'warm' Christmas!
Love from from a quilter in Canada!

Orcsmom said...

Me and hubby will be spending it just the two of us, which is fine. We are getting used to it just being us. We will go and spend 2 hours at Chris' girlfriend's house getting to know her family. I get the feeling we are meeting the In-Laws! I'll let ya know how it turns out! Merry Christmas Kimmie!!

Hugs!
Pam

Kathy G said...

Merry Christmas, Kim. I've been reading your blog for quite awhile now and look forward to reading it each morning. Thank you for all the time you put in, it is appreciated! My kitties name is Stitches. Loves to sleep on the machine!
Kathy Garcia

Jane said...

Thank you for a lovely Christmas post. Important to remember too that we are not alone when we have Jesus in our hearts and He is why we celebrate today. Easy to forget. Merry Christmas!

Unknown said...

Sounded like you were discibing me in thou post today.Alone, But I watch the old film with Jimmy Stewart. "It's a wonderful life" Was a perfect ending to a good day. Now depending on the wseather I shall go see Hubby. Hugs to you Kim

Kelly Ann said...

Merry Christmas...Christmas Day I get to play with fabric after the presents are opened...Yeah...

Lorraine said...

Hope you had a great Christmas....I agree with your thoughts about Christmas Eve....I think it is the general feeling of "what isn't done...isn't done"...that a feeling of calm comes over us when the all the preparation has been done and you are just waiting to put it all together on the day.... We didn't host Christmas this year which also made it a bit different for us....we had a fabulous day with family...wishing you and yours all the very best for the new year...!

Shirley--Knot-y Embroidery Lady said...

What a wonderful way to "wait" for Christmas - in your sweat shop. You are a blessing in my life - Merry Christmas all year through Kim!