Christmas Happens

Have you ever noticed that Christmas suddenly just appears.  Like a flip of a switch, it is upon us.  There's no lead in, no prep, it just is there looking at you as if to say "hi, I'm here, I'm back."

This morning there is snow on the ground and with the snow there are more adverts with Santa popping up in them - like magic.  My hands as if they were pulled by father Christmases hands themselves reached up and back to the edges of the back cupboard to pull out one of my few Christmas mugs.  I'm using one as I type this.  It is kind of weird.  It's like menstruating, at least with that, we've got some lead -in.  Cramps, bad moods, some psychotic behaviour, the intense need for all things chocolate with some extra salt sprinkled over top.   Things need lead-ins.   Christmas defies that law. 

And going to Costco in September and seeing fully decorated Xmas trees and mechanical gold reindeer is not my idea of preparation.  

My lead in to Christmas came this Tuesday November 16th which I suppose is within a reasonable time frame - I guess if you stretch your head a bit.  I had to take Layla to emergency after a bad night of GI issues resulting in a dehydrated little ducky and, as always (blessedly), she was seen immediately with much care and kind attention, treated with diligence and respect to the nature of her things, and we were sent home with return papers if need be.  Seriously, that child gets the Hilton Hospital experience when she is there - I can chalk it up to her being really cute in those tiny hospital gowns.  She does melt them, neon body goop and all, she still is a heart warmer.

We head off to do the usual Second Cup coffee and rocky road bar run (post emergency fare it makes the experience way better) as I wait for Michael to pick us up.  I sit, study my homework all the while listening to three hours of Christmas lounge music.  I'm not kidding - three hours!  I was tempted to go back into emergency!

Surprisingly I did come out of there feeling a bit more merry and bright!!  I find myself looking forward to my morning Christmas cuppa. 

So, this is what I remember from this emergency visit - more and more, I am able to find the joy and connect that joy with every experience that my children lead me through. 

Christmas started post emergency this year.  In a place where there are sick children being tended to, nursed back to health, where they are suffering, a place of birth and death.  A place filled with help and hope for our little beings.  I hope the joy of Christmas fills each of those children's hearts and souls with cheer and provides comfort and supports their family members who are by their side.  May the music play on.....

Christmas time will sneak up on you and when it does, just take a moment to bask a little in the beauty and merriment that this time of year brings - even if this time of year starts while we pack away our summer shorts!!