Holiday Reset

Photo by Wokandapix via Pixabay

What time is this?
It may be the season, but
The flurries blowing around
Are not made of snow

The hustle and bustle
Can rattle and roll us
Into a tight ball
And before we know it, we’re thrown

Into a race of readiness
Gifts bought, cards sent, cookies baked and more
Working extra hours, cramming our calendars
Until we’re falling on the floor

Is this how we celebrate?
Exhausted and panting?
Too depleted to enjoy the Season of Giving?

Burning ourselves down to a pile of ashes
Just so we start rising
In the year that’s coming?

Not anymore
Not anymore
Not anymore

I realize my holiday verse
Isn’t the usual nod
To crisp Christmas air and jolly elves
Enchanting as they may be

I love them all
Elves, bells and noels
But I find each day falls short
And I know the answer is me

I put myself under an avalanche,
Dear Santa; it’s a whirlwind tour
Of meeting targets, deadlines and expectations
Of which there’s always more

Is this how I’ll celebrate?
Exhausted and panting?
Too depleted to enjoy the Season of Giving?

Burning myself down to a pile of ashes
Just so I start rising
In the year that’s coming?

Not anymore
Not anymore
Not anymore

I love this season too much
To let it go by as just another
Set of targets, deadlines and expectations
It deserves better

And so do I
And so do we all
After all, after ALL
What is it all for?

It’s time to pick up the list
And check it twice
And cross everything off
That’s not so nice

Maybe that’s overly simple
But this much I know is true:
Certain things may be hard to do,
But they’re easier doing if they matter to you

So let’s keep what matters most
And let the rest go
Let’s share with our loved ones
That they matter to us so

We can finish this year with ease
Taking each day in stride
As we celebrate each other
And this season so bright