Finding Less in Christmas

Last year I was swamped with work to the point that our Christmas tree almost didn't happen.  Two days before Christmas, out of mother guilt for a son's Christmas experience, I hoisted the tree, strung the lights and quickly spread on the ornaments.  I was actually very glad I did, for us all.  However the tree then stayed up until March because I simply didn't have the time or energy to put it all away again.

This year, freshly self-employed via an unexpected layoff, I just knew Christmas would be different this year.  But that passion for extensive decorating that would transformed my home into a visual Christmas Currier and Ives scene, simply didn't show up. 

The tree, fresh from it's cocoon in the basement crawl space, was only just lit with lights two days ago.  It looks beautiful. But it has no ornaments, just lights. And we've decided to keep it that way this year. The only other decorations this year are four nativity scenes, placed in places where I can enjoy them. I love the nativity scenes most.

It is so simple. I suspect at some point I might return to a more adorned season.  But for now I am enjoying the freedom and simplicity of finding so much less at Christmas that I can see more of Him.