We Celebrate!

We have the hilliest neighborhood on earth. At least it seems that way when running it. Where we lived in Greenville had some massive hills, as well. One we called Killer Hill was preceded by Death Valley. This was a long stretch of unshaded road with zero breeze. By the time you reached Killer Hill, you were mentally and physically drained. But you hit that hill with determination. The prize was at the top: the end of a long run, a sense of accomplishment, an air-conditioned YMCA.

There are several ways to attack a monster hill. Some experts say to slightly lower your head, shorten your stride, and before you know it, you will be at the top. My friend, Wendy, triples her speed hoping to get it over quick. Audrey keeps her eye on the crest and perseveres. Once at the top, we don’t beat ourselves up for our slow speed. Our lack of grace does not depress us. We celebrate – throw our arms in the air Rocky Balboa style and shout, “Woo Hoo!”

Sometimes the week before Christmas seems like climbing a gigantic hill. Shopping for the perfect gifts, baking, wrapping, picture taking, card mailing, and then there’s that crazy elf! If you are a procrastinator like me, this week means late nights catching up in hopes of creating a magical day for your family.

Each year I vow to be more prepared; to start my shopping earlier, get cards out on time, put up more decorations and create Hallmark moments baking, craft-making and watching movies with my children. It can get exhausting, mentally and physically. But, of course, I don’t stop. I know the prize at the end, don’t I? Overjoyed children, a happy, smiling husband, smells of snickerdoodles and the warm glow of holiday lights… not exactly. It doesn’t always turn out this way.

Whatever your style for getting through the week before Christmas; lowering your head and steadily working, speeding through it all just to get it done or keeping your eye on the final day, the REAL prize is the same for us all. Once we’ve reached the end, we shouldn’t beat ourselves up because the gifts we chose were not the “perfect” ones. We can’t get depressed because our neighbors’ houses look much more festive than ours. We celebrate – because, on Christmas day, Jesus Christ, our Savior, was born, bringing us Peace, Love, Joy and Life Everlasting. We celebrate!