COUNTRY SUNSHINE: I am one lazy elf

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I have always looked forward to Christmas. As a kid, in a family of practicing Roman Catholics, all spiritual preparations for the Big Day would begin a full month before Santa slid down the chimney. You see one of the many religious quirks of the Yuletide season is the season of Advent. Advent: “from the Latin adventus; meaning coming…a period of expectant waiting and preparation…”

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Advent spans four consecutive Sundays leading up to Christmas Day. And it is one of the more enjoyable Roman Catholic observances since it has nothing whatsoever to do with sin, repentance, self-sacrifice, or guilt.

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Regardless, my fondest childhood Christmas memory, like all true believers, is one of anxious anticipation. And when I say “believers” I refer here to all young people who accept as gospel truth the legend that jolly old St. Nick himself makes a somewhat miraculous, round-the-world, delivery trek, every Christmas Eve.

And so yes, it is indeed a time for wonder and great expectations in the days leading up to the Big Day itself. If you happen to be reading this on the date of publication, you must be a very well organized person. I make this assumption based on the fact that you are in a relaxed enough mood to be reading a newspaper – and not the riot act – as it is a mere seven days until December 25th. We further assume that most Christmas related chores have been done and that you are totally prepared for the big day…perhaps with time to spare. Congratulations. You are most likely one in a million.

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Ever since I was knee-high to an elf, my family and friends, along with all those involved in retail sales, have been quick to remind me that Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. I believe this to be true, as each and every Christmas I look forward to its magic. Now if only that magic would allow the day to come and go without all the fussin’ and frettin’.

As a lifelong procrastinator, I know, only too well, the helpless feeling of entrapment as the festive season conspires to sneak up on us, every single year. Okay, so the season itself doesn’t actually hide in a closet – then jump out on the 24th and say, “Gotcha!”

But it sure does seem that way.

Still, I fully realize my seasonal paranoia is the direct result of chronic dilly-dallying, while disregarding all of the obvious signs, including but not limited to; feigned indifference to Santa’s sudden appearance in local parades, falling snow, innumerable yuletide advertisements and, perhaps most difficult of all to ignore – those dreaded made-for-TV Christmas movies.

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And there are countless household chores to sidestep as well. They include house-cleaning, eventually locating and then decorating the perfect tree, decking the many assorted halls, checking all lists twice, last-minute gift shopping and, of course, wrapping…and the inevitable search for Scotch Tape, little cards, ribbons and bows. May God bless the person who invented the festive giftbag.

I wonder; does Christmas seem so wonderful simply because it’s a relief to have survived a few stressful days? Or is it absolutely wonderful all by itself?

Hmmm. Now there’s a couple of questions for the next procrastinator’s meeting.

Meanwhile, gentle reader; may the true spirit of Christmas – whatever your interpretation or belief – be always in your heart.

Terry serves up a little food-for-thought each week and welcomes all comments: countrysunshine@xplornet.ca

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