Sometimes you just need a good nap to enjoy Christmas

By: 
Miriam Nelson
News Editor

I decided to slow down for Christmas this year. I didn’t want to break myself by trying to cram in all the festivities available. I can see how some people get overwhelmed this time of year. When there are so many options of things to see and do, time just seems to fly by.

Although I’d like to think I’m on some noble quest to slow down and cherish fewer moments with deeper meaning, I know in my heart that I’m a top-notch procrastinator. I didn’t really slow down for Christmas so much as I just didn’t get around to it.

Some people get their tree up the day after Thanksgiving, and I admit I did start thinking about doing it at that time. Unfortunately, thinking and doing don’t intersect that often in my world.

I waited until the next weekend, but I was busy — really busy — with events to attend and even managed to miss a show on that Sunday because I was going to put up my tree. I was going to get right to it after a refreshing little nap. Well, the nap went a little longer than I thought, and I didn’t feel all that refreshed when I woke up. So, you see, I just couldn’t put my tree up that weekend.

Some people manage to put up their tree in the evening during the week. That’s just not me. I’m sticking with the story that it was really cold that week, and I didn’t want to spend any time in the cold attic at night. I’m pretty sure it was cold that weekend as well, because that kind of an excuse would keep me out of a cold, drafty attic.

So now I’m at the final weekend before Christmas. There is no tree — it’s still in a box in the attic where it is still cold. There are no decorations throughout the house. That’s not entirely true; I have a small gathering of candles shaped like young choir members. Mom used to bring them out every Christmas. It’s such a fond childhood memory that I keep them out all year long. Those of you who know me well know that I lost the box, and they will no doubt remain as a permanent display on the buffet.

Because of the early deadline, I’m writing this long before the paper comes out. I still have a few days to get that tree up and decorated. I still have time to set up the nativity. I still have time to get a wreath on the door and the stockings hung in the hallway — we have no fireplace. I still have time fill the house with the smells of Christmas cookies and pumpkin bread.

By the time you read this I could have transformed Nelson Manor into an explosion of all things Christmas. Then again, I did promise myself to slow down for Christmas this year, and I’m due for another nap or two.