The Best Gift

Just wondering - did everyone get what they wanted this year?

My family had a very lovely Christmas. The only thing that could have made it better would have been having my eldest home, but she will be here later this week and then we can celebrate all over again.

That is not to say our Christmas was perfect. In fact, there were a few unexpected twists I could have really done without. Like my mini panic attack about playing my Native American flute at Christmas Eve Mass. I'm less than an amature, and usually only fiddle around on it for my own pleasure, but was somehow persuaded to play along with our pianist and choir. Warming up beforehand, I couldn't remember the fingering for my song, and then the flute got so full of moisture it could barely produce a sound. I tried to back out at the last minute, but - praying to escape with dignity intact - I conceded to at least try. (I did fine by the way; only a few squeaks and shaky notes).

Or, the Chinese restaurant we traditionally dine at afterward (In honor of my husband's favorite movie of the season, A Christmas Story) not having a table for us (we've already made reservations for next year). We ended up driving around looking for a substitute, and finally went to a buffet style Chinese restaurant that frankly, even the thought of leaves me feeling a little nauseated. My husband loves it though, and the kids thought it was fun. I ended up eating less - waaaay less! - than I usually do, and felt better for it.

Worst of all was the devastation wrought by a dastardly weasel! At least, that's what we think killed three of our chickens - Richard included - sometime between dusk and when we got back from dinner to shut them in. (I'm glad I immortalized him in my last post. I will miss that beautiful bird, and the hens, too.) Esther, the Hen of Nine Lives, seems to have elevated status now due to her incredible ability to survive anything. She and the other four remaining hens appear unfazed.

The thing is, we still had a great Christmas. (Well, not the chickens, but...) We made the most of what we had rather than lamenting what we didn't have. Sometimes, I think folks get too wrapped up in the negatives. We focus on shadows and not the light. But Christmas is the season of light. If we let it the Light will dispell the darkness, if not entirely, at least enough for us to see what is truly important. This Christmas, and every Christmas, and all year long.

The best gift I got this year was one I've gotten a miliion times before - an optimistic attitude. And it never gets old.