What fit this Christmas.

Christmas came and went in a whirl wind this year, after 3 Christmas parties, a dance recital, school Christmas concert, a birthday party, and of course one trip to the emergency room at KGH. Between baking cupcakes for Jules' party, helping Gem recite her songs, and Carpenter coming home late, there was hardly any time to shop. By the time the Eve had arrived, I had been hit by the Commercialized Christmas Bus.
I tried desperately to avoid that bus, I did not go crazy and buy everything on my kids wish list, just one or two things. I avoided being wound up in the hype of sales, and picking something up just because "It was cute and on sale". I stayed pretty focused, but something was missing. I felt tired, and muttered "ba humbug" far more than I said "Merry Christmas!" I managed to bake with the kids, a gingerbread house or two, where more of the candies ended up in their mouths instead of on the houses. We had friends over, and decorated the tree while we made popcorn garland and listen to Christmas Carols. But not even Louis Armstrong croonin' "BABY ITS COLD OUTSIDE" could get me out of this slump.
It hit me hard this year, I kept saying to my self, What happened to Christmas? Is this it? Why do I feel exhausted instead of excited? Not event the kids anticipation was drubbing off on me . I was not even sure about attending Christmas Services.
We had been invited to Christmas Eve service at WPC. Our friends were excited to go, and wanted us to join. Apparently there was a drama and the whole shebang, it wasn't going to be lame... but there was 6 services planned so there was lots to accommodate whatever schedule you were on.
On the night of the 23rd, as I was coaxing the kids to bed, no wait, threatening them, my patience beginning to dwindle, and Carpenter was out shopping, there was a knock at the door. Our pastor and his wife stood in the cold holding a simple mason jar. In the bottom of the jar was some salt, to remind us that we are the "salt of the earth". On the salt was a simple tea light candle , To remind us that Jesus is the light of the world. Wrapped around the top of the mason jar was straw, to remind us that Jesus came from humble beginnings. They placed the jar in my hands and then prayed for me and my family. I hardly know them for they are new to our small church. Their prayer touched my heart. Though I did not know them, they said the words I needed to hear.
It no longer mattered that my kids weren't in bed. I didn't care that the Christmas Carols weren't leaving my heart all warm and fuzzy, or that I hadn't tried baking shortbread this year. I knew I didn't want to be at WPC Christmas Eve, lined up on an assembly line, to hear a neat little message in a box. Lame or not, we went to the Service at our smal Church. We sat with people we hadn't met before. We sang "O come all ye faithful" accapella. We lit candles and prayed. The message was simple. The celebration was Jesus. That small simple service made my Christmas. Carpenter and I went home, put the kids to bed, stoked the fire and shared a glass of wine while we wrapped the last of the gifts.
Christmas morning we woke to peals of joy as our kids raced to open gifts. Jules was just happy with anything she could rip open, even if it was socks. Gem loved her toys and books. Their happiness filled my heart with joy.
As the kids played Carpenter handed me one very large box. Inside were two pairs of naturalizers, my favorite shoe. No matter how I'm feeling, tired, bloated, thin, ugly or beautiful. Shoes just fit. They made my Christmas too.
I love my kids, I love my Carpenter.