Christmas Fun Permit

Today was cold, rainy, and gray – the perfect setting for a procrastinator to cocoon inside, avoiding the parking battle pain and crowds. Instead, I ventured into the fray with my friend for a really fun time!

Finding expensive parking, tromping around in the rain, squeezing through the crowds, we enjoyed a lovely Christmas tour and ended with a good meal and extended fellowship. I would do it again even with the inconvenience.

I said “yes” proposing this to my friend, because a week ago I said “no” to a thoughtful invitation. I was home alone cooking on Thanksgiving Day because we would celebrate Friday. Our neighbor invited me over for Thursday dinner or dessert. I turned her down because I had so much to do. As soon as I said the words, I realized I would be missing a nice opportunity. I could at least go for a short time. So I called her and accepted dessert.

It was a delightful hour. The daughters had each made a delicious pie, chocolate pecan and cherry. We were able to chat in front of the fire and at the table, just relaxing together. I was grateful they’d invited me and I returned to work refreshed.

My default position is often ‚ÄòNo.” I have a lot to do so I say ‚ÄòNo” to fun. That’s just wrong. Ask my kids who tried to teach me that long ago. Fun is important!

Procrastination makes my work load heavier because chores pile up. It steals my time and thinking. It skews me into believing I’m not available for fun or for the people in my life. Aren’t I making these preparations so others can enjoy Christmas? Then I stand in the way of their enjoyment. Rethink!

God designed us to need rest and recreation, and He produces fruit through those times. Attuned to Him, I say “yes” to the fun that needs doing when it needs doing. Fun in Christmas season! I can even initiate. It can be planned – “Tuesday night let’s drive around and see the lights!” or spontaneous – “Hey, let’s drive around and see the lights!”

Christmas is a wonderful time to pause and quietly enjoy moments of reflection. It’s a time to laugh with the zest for life that demonstrates I’m glad my Savior came.

This week, in the bustle of preparation, let’s have fun. What Christmas pleasures have you enjoyed?