Merry and bright

White shirt boxes ... can they breed? 

Yes, I mean breed - as in, make more white shirt boxes. Chicka-waa-waa. As in, when a mommy white shirt box and a daddy white shirt box love each other very much ... and they are stowed away in a super secret hiding place (aka my bedroom closet) ... and I thought I had already wrapped all gifts in the white shirt boxes ...

Then I found more. Like a small litter of white shirt boxes containing gifts that still needed to be wrapped.

I had overlooked a stash of gifts. I'm glad I found them, but was disappointed to realize I didn't quite have this whole Christmas thing managed as well as I should.

It's times like this when Christmas can feel like it's getting out of hand.

Don't judge me, ribbon-stalking cat.

One of the reasons I've not been able to keep up with the more task-centered aspects of the holiday is that I have been getting out and experiencing the holiday: enjoying festive parties and laughter with friends; reveling in glorious musical performances; spending quiet time admiring the tree lights; focusing on the true meaning and origin of it all during Advent services and through community outreach.

So I may have let the task-centered side slide a bit more this year than usual. But hey - if something gets shoved in a gift bag instead of beautifully wrapped and packaged (I shudder at the thought of it as I type), then so be it.

Many times, our traditions become chores. Our invitations turn to obligations. We try to do too much and, in a blur of activity, fail to stop and truly feel the magic. Or, conversely, we take in the holiday from a spectator's seat through TV movies and DVDs (all of which I love, by the way), but there comes a point where you have to turn off the Hallmark Channel, get off the couch and be the star of your own memories.

The season serves up a lot. And maybe we try to do too much because a lot of it is so fun - or at least we think it should be fun. Truth is, it can be overwhelming and suck the wonderful right out of this time of year.

And let's face it: Christmas doesn't come easily to all. Hearts are broken; bodies need mending; hope is fleeting; worries mount. These things don't take a Christmas break.

Christmas? It comes anyway. At its core - without radio stations blasting 24/7, glitzy commercials, cookies, packages, cards, glitter, parties, plays, the last freaking piece of tape, ornaments, unwrapped fertile white shirt boxes - it is a reminder of  something simple, yet profound: hope; a fresh start. Renewal.

But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.' - Luke 2:10-11.

And so I will tackle what I can this season and enjoy all that I choose. I will strive to be a help to those who need me. I will open my heart to the spirit of hope offered freely this time of year.

In doing so, I know I am truly making these precious days merry and bright.