Cranium Crackers: Lurking Holidays Far Too Early?

High in the snow-covered Alpine valleys, nature is in full force year after year. 

In spite of the extremes of sunny days and frozen nights, a flower blooms unblemished through the crust of ice near the edge of the snow.

How does this little flower, the Soldanella accomplish such a feat?

During the past summer the little plant spread its leaves wide and flat on the ground in order to soak up the sun’s rays, and it kept that energy stored in its roots throughout the winter. When spring came, life stirred even beneath the shroud of snow, and as the plant sprouted, it amazingly found enough warmth to thaw a small dome-shaped pocket of snow above its head.

It grew higher and higher, and as it did, the small dome of air continue to rise just above its head until its flower bud was safely formed. At last the icy covering of the air compartment gave way, and the blossoms burst into the sunshine. The crystalline texture of its mauve-colored petals sparkled like the snow itself, as if it still bore the marks of the journey it had endured.

Diane, a highly motivated and professional ECFE teacher in Woodbury, so often echoed this in our hearts and minds as parents, how to nestle like the lovely flower, how to pace ourselves like the Soldanella. She used to describe the year much like a 12-inch ruler/measure. That last inch is December—in this last inch we feel like we need to do everything in the entertainment world to make it a fabulous Holiday for every soul. 

Very difficult to accomplish some years if your children are young, if you are unwell, overworked… with baking, decorating, gifts, family dinners, work obligations, sick children, traveling, meeting budgets, etc.

Diane’s theory is a brain ache… She is like the ancient Greeks, who loved shapes, philosophical arguments and physical competitions. But, she is dealing with an obsessive bunch who thinks it vital to bake those cookies, attend every child’s event, meet the friends for afternoon tea, "do it all"  in this last inch of December.  It could not possibly wait until January—that cookie does taste better in December!!!

Have you heard, ‘thank God the Holidays are over with’?

This is why for years I have begun my Christmas kick off during the first week of November, usually. And, I’m hardly giving away any secrets when I say… it takes the pressure off doing all there is to do for the Holidays when the Holidays officially arrive. (But, I can give you the right royal runaround, I have a talent for talking in circles—I’m not even sure what I’m talking about now).  

When the head does get overwhelmed, I know a few of us call on larger than-life Diane who has super skill tactics—she helps us keep things in check, with knowledge and with humor. Often we think we are the teachers, but aren't we always being taught at the feet of great friends, great acquaintances & the elderly.

Instead of gift exchanges & big shopping I’d rather experience the atmosphere of Christmas with storytelling, brass bands, carol singing, craft activities and the taste of traditional festival fare. 

I cannot be accused of skipping Thanksgiving as I do give it full credence.  In fact, my family & friends will tell you that I ADD holidays on; much to the chagrin of a few I‘ll warrant.

Pressure is not my idea of ‘happy’ in the Holiday and my eldest son makes it clear that his head doesn’t think it is worth getting wrapped around the axel with flittering from event to event. As soon as we get back to MN for Christmas I’m thinking of celebrating and slowly exploring the delicacy of chocolate through sampling chocolate in our little town, and soak up the festive atmosphere of all things Christmas.

Last thing a family needs is someone bubbling up like steam on the hot rocks of a sauna, when  you’ve already been in 13 minutes and you’re just trying to make it to 15. By the way, tell those blokes over at the YMCA in Woodbury to let folks put water on the rocks! Outside of their world, has ANYONE heard of saunas without steam?!?

Oh yes, slowing down again…

What the heck is the number over at the Y anyhow?

Hot diggity dog! Happy, happy Holidays!