Christmas Shopping

Yes I braved the mall today.  It was already crowded by 11 a.m.  Thank goodness I was able to get done what I needed to and hightail it put of there.  I’m sure I’m not the only one who faced this or will face the mall within the next few days.  I’m almost done.  Almost.  That stinks in my book.  I just want to be finished and relax and try to enjoy the season.

My mood hasn’t been the greatest.  I’m crabby and the depression seems to be rearing it’s ugly head.  I’m getting tired of this depression business to be honest.  I don’t want to write a depressing post but I need to say a couple of things. That I’m tired of meds that stop working effectively and I’m tired of side effects.

I’m trying to look at the “little” things that make me smile. Watching my youngest write out a Christmas card to her teacher, my son’s face when he arrives home and overhearing my older girls say they, “Can’t wait until Christmas”.

Is it bad that I can’t think of more? I feel like I’m supposed to be overflowing with peace, love and joy when in reality I’m crabby and irritable trying to figure out when everything will get “done”.

This mood shall pass and I’ll soon be happy with the joy of Christmas and remembering that He came to save us. That we are celebrating the birth of our Saviour and Lord. I want to shine for Him, not be the crabby person I am right now. I wish my heart were lighter while shopping to allow the glory of God to shine through. I wish for the Holy Spirit to move me in such a way I trip over myself in enthusiasm to serve. I Praise Him, Praise the Lord, the Great I Am.

The Live Tree

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We searched for, picked out, purchased lights for, brought home and put up our first live tree yesterday.  I’m more than happy to spend my "black Friday" that way.  Aside from making sure the tree was secure in the stand our day was pretty uneventful and I’m not complaining.

Reading that "we searched for" our tree makes me smile because we went to the parking lot of two major stores and a man had rented the far end of the lot to sell Christmas trees. We live in a fairly urban area and we would have to drive at least 45 minutes away to actually "search" for the perfect tree. I'm perfectly content with how we selected our tree even though in my opinion it's unlike a Christmas story book.

Thomas was thrilled picking out our tree. And I think it’s funny how God makes you slow down and notice the little things or you will miss them. As we walked towards our car with the tree I heard Thomas say, “Have a nice weekend” to the tree salesman. This is a pretty large step for Thomas in interacting and being social. I’m glad I didn’t miss it.

So our first live tree is up and lit. I have to say its gorgeous and much prettier than our pre-lit artificial tree. I don’t remember the type of tree it is but I don’t think it matters. Oh and it smells nice 🙂