I put my hands on my hips as my lower lip protruded. “But Mom, can’t we do the breakfast dishes later?” I tapped my toe. “It’s time to open presents.”
“Darlene, didn’t you know that good things come to those who wait?”
I rolled my eyes. “Oh Mom, come on. We can do them later.”
“Stop pouting and wait. Don’t rush the day away. It already goes too fast.”
“Fine,” I said and took my dishes to the sink.
Christmas morning was always fun in our home. First, we opened our stockings and then had a yummy breakfast. Murray, Susan and I inhaled our food as we anticipated the presents sitting under the tree. We were just itching to rip them open to see what surprise awaited us. However, our parents had other plans.
We had to clean up the dishes first. I know what you’re thinking. What’s the big deal? Well, to little children those few minutes seemed like an eternity. Would we ever finish? What was in that long present with my name on it? Did Mom remember to buy me that new Barbie?
When the dishes were done (finally!) we rushed into the living room and found “our spot” on the floor and eyed the presents like a dog anticipating his meal. Then we took turns playing Santa giving everyone a present. Each person opened their gift while the others watched. This made it last longer. At the end, our presents were opened and all that remained was a huge pile of rumpled up paper in the middle of the floor.
Mom was right…again. It was over in a flash!
You know what is funny? I’ve carried on this tradition of breakfast after opening our stockings and then cleaning up a bit before diving into our gifts. It does help savour the day.
I’ve learned to appreciate every moment on Christmas day because it comes and goes too fast. And, it’s not about the gifts, but about spending time with family and celebrating our Lord’s birth.
How do you savour your Christmas day? Do you rush it, or sit back and enjoy every second of it?
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a blessed Christmas! May you delight in celebrating Jesus’ birthday!
Luke 2:15-20 (NIV)
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
(me in my “stance” with Mom on Christmas morning)
Hi Darlene, You were such a sweetie in that picture. You are a very talented writer, I have been encouraged, keep up the good work. LL
Thanks Lorna Leigh!!!
Nice pout Darlene ,I remember. Hey Jeff does she still stand and pout like that when she doesn’t get her own WAY????? lOVE YA GUYS SEE YOU SOON.SUE
Now at 50+ years (we will leave it at that), I have come to truly appreciate all the love and care that goes into making Christmas morning such a special time. Our mothers, Doreen and Cynthia must have worked tireless hours leading up to so many Christmas mornings and I can see why they wanted everyone to savour those early morning moments and make them last longer. The child in me, wishes Christmas morning closeness could last all year long. No where to be, no phones ringing, no payroll to meet, no demands…nothing else in the world matters in those blessed hours. This year, with Christmas being on a Sunday, we will come together at 10:30 to worship the birth of our Lord with our church family as well. I am so looking forward to this. Darlene, thank you for your blog. I read it often but I wanted to reply this time and tell you what a blessing these little collections have been over the past year. Keep writing my friend. You have found your calling.
PS – I remember playing barbies with you for hours at your house on Windsor. Barbies were a big deal, like the biggest! Just sayin’
Yes, I totally agree. As kids, we hated when we had to have breakfast after opening our stockings and then heaven forbid….DO THE DISHES! What? Now, Jeff and I take our time and savour the day. Every moment is precious. I totally agree with you. Thanks for your encouraging words, Susan. I appreciate your support. And yes, Barbies rock! Merry Christmas. Have a blessed season with your precious family! xo