How are you?
It's about 10:15 pm on a Monday evening as I type this. Colorado is cold this time of year and not even as chilly as it possibly can or WILL be in the next couple weeks and months.
Tonight, I was invited to a wine tasting and opted out to work on my third year of my toy drive and filling out Christmas cards.
There's something about this time of year that brings people closer to their sense of selflessness and selfishness. I can see who is a giver and who is a taker in this world as soon as Black Friday rolls around.
For me, Christmas was all about being together, cooking and talking growing up. Presents were, of course, present, but not the focus.
As I got older and technology became more fluent in households, it was clear to see who was just being material and who actually had a connection to their family or something outside of themselves as they approached that glorious 25th day in December.
For me, as I've gotten older, I've learned to pull-back on my gift-giving and give back to my community. I have a philosophy: take care of yourself and THEN help take care of others. Also, when you are blessed immensely, you should share what you have.
Last year, my toy drive provided over 200 homes with gifts for children. I couldn't believe the numbers. I would have been happy if even three kids had toys, ya know?
We had so many toys come in, I had enough to donate to two different non-profit organizations. It was remarkable.
This year is also different because I have someone special to spend the holidays with. I pinch myself sometimes because I can't believe that things are falling into place. The other thing I have noticed is that as soon as I blink my eyes, things can change and they DO!
This past week was Thanksgiving and I have to tell you, it was one of the most low-key holidays I've ever had. It was also very stressful as I brought The Mister home for the holidays. It was the first time either my sister or I had brought a significant other to the family gathering.
It felt right, friends. I felt absolutely perfect.
As I reflect back on this last week and taking time away from the salon and look back at the past month of taking time away from the social scene and deciding to stay in a little more and not drink as much as not worry about people that aren't worrying about me as much: I have to tell you, things are starting to balance out.
Crazy how life evens itself out, ya know?
Now... time to work on getting some toys for those kids...
-j
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