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And that is so. not. me.
Normally, by this time I would have everything checked off, completed and under the tree. Meals prepped, planned and done in batches. Traditions accomplished in a beautiful timeline. Decorations fully out in November.
Not so much this year.
It began with the decorations. Though a nice gesture last year, my hubby surprising me one evening and letting the kids put everything away did not result in the happiest of endings. My fears of chaos ensued when this year, even after multiple trips to the shed, there are items still missing. When one has as many snowmen as I do (many years I don't even put them all out), you might question how I would I know that I am missing anything, but I can. And I am.
I find myself looking to areas where said snowmen or decorations would and should be, sigh in despair, but chalk it up to the season of disarray.
My gift shopping for the past several years has been done on Cyber Monday. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood, but nothing enticed me. It didn't help that finances were tight, as hubby was the midst of losing/changing jobs. So, I waited. And waited. And waited some more. Poor Noah has gifts scattered all over the house from the here and there shopping I've managed to do. I'll be lucky if I get them wrapped in time and don't forget where I hid everything. If I do, maybe I'll find them in time for his birthday next month!
We did a bulk grocery trip Sunday, after a long, full day of church, a farewell lunch for Tim's nephew who is joining the Air force, and a visit at the hospital to my niece (more on that below). I went without a list and was already exhausted so you can bet I have forgotten at least one ingredient for every dish we have planned.
And traditions. Well, this seems to be year of non-tradition so far. Noah has a job and that has changed some of our annual outings. Tim switched to third shift and we're still trying to teach his body bedtime is no longer dark-thirty! Our calendar just doesn't seem to be cooperating and all the things I planned or looked forward to from years past isn't happening.
I could let it ruin my Christmas. It would be easy to focus on all the things that haven't gone exactly as envisioned. Or, I could sit in the messy beauty that is this year and be thankful.
The first Christmas, after all, was rather displaced and unexpected.
But so very perfect, in every way.
In a way, it reminds me of what my niece and her husband are going through this season. My chaotic Christmas seems a blessing in disguise.
Much like Mary and Joseph found themselves, they are expecting a child and have been sent on a journey away from home, in hopes of protecting their baby.
Haylea is only 24 weeks along but her pregnancy has been a whirlwind. Diagnosed with hyper dynamic cervix, her body is fighting to keep sweet Isaiah in the womb and safe. This past weekend she reached the milestone of viability and was able to get steroids for his lungs. But the hospital she was in isn't able to care for NICU babies until week 27. Given that she could deliver anytime, we prayed for a better option.
Thankfully, she's been sent two hours from home under the care of neonatal specialist in a hospital that provides for preemies on a daily basis. We're still prayerful she will carry as long as possible, but we're grateful she is among seasoned professionals prepared for any outcome.
But it means she'll spend Christmas away from family. Newly married, this most certainly isn't the Christmas I'm sure she imagined for their first year together.
Just as I'm sure Mary's journey was anything but expected and planned.
My prayer for them this season is that they are held by God's mighty power and strength, can put their trust in Him, and feel the peace which only He can provide. For if He can bring His son into the most unlikely of circumstances, born in a manger, we are faithful and filled with hope, as little Isaiah is in the same caring hands.
If you would like to support this young family, struggling this season, and share a little hope, please consider giving at their link below. Michael has been unable to work steadily, due to the lengthy and frequent hospital stay his wife has had - and is expected to continue. May you be blessed for your gifts or prayers for them this Christmas.
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