Somewhere beyond the pine trees that are still evergreen, there sits a house that used to occupy the two people I thought were the most successful people to ever live. The house was not much. The garden was magnificent. The land was perfect and the love was too. Nine kids. A fishing hole. Blackberries that made for the perfect wine in late summer.
My grandparents were some of the poorest people money wise in our small town. But I never equated money with success or being happy. I learned that from my grandparents. As I sit here playing the songs I grew up with as I so often do and put away my sewing needles for the night, I think people have a sore misconception about me.
I did not become successful in other things based on my ability or even my prolific desire to create beautiful things. I became “successful” because I was trying to live a life that modeled theirs. I truly believe that favor passes down through generations but I also believe that we can model the good we see and see a blessing.
To this day, Christmastime for me means old timy peppermint sticks, new socks, a glass coke, laughter of the peope I love most, Bobby pins and sewing something special even if some of the stitches come out because I’m a hand sewing girl. A sewing machine just takes off without me.
I wanted to tell you that I still hold these fundamentals of life and Christmas to be the ever reaching “perfect.” So this year, if you are sad or working a little too much to provide gifts for your family, friends or children… breathe.
Close your eyes.
Turn right.
Dirt road. No sign. All the way back in the holler.
Turn right again.
The dog barks but it don’t bite.
The second step squeaks and jumps if you want to play trampoline. Just open the screen door and wait. That’s how we all come home.
Imagine you’re met with a woman in a house dress. She sounds like an older version of myself. And a little old man stoking a fire and chewing tobacco shuffles to see you. Instantly, you’re so welcomed. Instantly, it doesn’t matter how you’re dressed, if you could afford your dental care or if you had every nice suit to wisp into dusty wooden floor. You’re just family. You’re just one of us. You’re just loved.
And I promise you…
That’s the stuff we remember.
So please… not just for you but for them, give yourself a break and just have a Christmas that is authentic. It’s all you can hope for and the best thing you can be.
Do that and you’ll never fail at anything. Do that and Christmas will forever be so cheapened by worry. And you’ll spend the rest of your life trying to get back to a place where Christmas really was just about your best gift. Even if that was a pot holder from the Dollar General.
Merry Christmas. Don’t let your worries and wonky standards keep you from a happy Christmas. Your kids, your family, your people will be better for it… and you might actually enjoy it this time.
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