December 1st...

It came in the mail yesterday. I should have received it with great expectation and jubilation. Instead, I looked at it sitting on the kitchen countertop and felt dread pour through my body. It was December 1st and it, the white envelope with holiday markings, was the first Christmas card to come in the mail. This small, rectangular visitor marked the undeniable entry into the Christmas season and immediately reminded me that I am already way behind.  Each year I plan to be more organized and earlier prepared for the demands of this beautiful season and each year it hits me in the face like a bully's punch. In an attempt to avoid panic, I've been having daily conversations with myself about keeping my perspective on what's really important, as if these meetings with self will keep the stress at bay. I'm keeping a positive attitude and feel good that we did manage to get our tree up, dressed with special ornaments while modestly decorating the house with Christmas cheer.  

Still, the annual family Christmas photo, the one I had planned on taking in October, has not yet been shot. And, my Christmas letter has not yet found it's way to paper. Life for our family is moving at such a pace that right now, it feels like I'm on a treadmill that's moving twice as fast as I can run. I've contemplated jumping off, but that would only put me farther behind......so I keep running.

Now, as I stand before it, I begin to guess whom it might be from. My friend, Dawn, an overachiever who always got straight A's in high school and college, usually wins the first Christmas card of the season contest. As I turn the card over, I quickly see that this year, it is another friend, also named Dawn, from second grade, who wins the award. She's another responsible, diligent soul who likes to make others look bad by getting her cards out before most of us have turned the December calender page. Speaking of Dawns, I have a third friend named Dawn, who easily fits into this same overachieving category - she even has her own organization business back east. What is up with Dawns? Perhaps there's still hope - my middle name is Dawn.

Managing the courage to open this first Christmas card, small tears quickly form as I read her sweet note. I've been remembering funny stories lately about how your dad would tease me when we were both little girls. He always poked fun at my big feet and every time he'd see me, he'd smile and slide his foot right up next to mine to measure, keeping his back just a little so mine appeared longer. I had not remembered this little trick he played with my friend Dawn until I read it in her card and all of a sudden I was seven again, my dad coming home from work to find Dawn and me playing in the front yard. Such great memories!

What a very special first Christmas card for me to receive on the first day of December. Instantly, I'm filled with such wonderful memories. Memories that were lost to me until my second grade friend unlocked them for me to enjoy all over again. Missing my precious dad at Christmas is a raw and tender spot in my soul, but holding tightly to all his great lessons and memories help keep him alive in my heart.

All of a sudden, I'm starting to feel the real joys of the season quietly knocking. What a beautiful day to let them in...