Yet, we all know the dangers of distracted driving. Sometimes activities have a level of importance that works best when they are our primary focus and not simply one of many that we attempt to balance.
Before Halloween, I noticed folks putting up signage on Main Street in Dripping Springs related to Christmas shopping opportunities. My first thought was that the signage wasn't timely. It was way out of sync with the calendar year that I prefer to follow. Not to be outdone, the city of Dripping Springs activated Christmas lights on Hwy 290 before Thanksgiving.
A couple of weeks ago, I walked through a neighborhood and noticed someone already had their Christmas tree up. Frankly, I found it strange. Is it possible that in our efforts to focus on Christmas, we orchestrate it in a fashion that negates the importance because it seems to go on forever and then gets lost in our multi-tasking approach?
Of course, I would be the first to admit that my perception may relate to my personal bias and have absolutely no relationship to the way most people think.
Do not mistake what I am trying to communicate. I love the message of Christmas: The birth of Christ, the gift of God; the availability of life everlasting. I cherish that message, and I love the reason for the season, but Christmas is not my favorite time of the year.
Did I say that out loud? Some might think it is a character flaw, but if so, then perhaps I am in good company. I know a lot of people for whom holidays trigger memories they would protectively prefer to avoid.
Consequently, I generally ease into Christmas the same way I ease into a swimming pool when the water is a little too cool. I pace my steps along the pool's declining surface to allow my body to gradually adjust to the water’s temperature. I am the same way with Christmas.
At some point in the process, I discover that I am good with embracing the traditions and celebrations associated with Christmas. But, it sometimes takes time and conscious effort on my part to get there.
The truth of the matter is this, not everyone carries with them in their head a soundtrack of Bing Crosby, Perry Como, or Andy Williams singing: "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year." Regardless of whether the Christmas season is your favorite or not, the reason for the season offers possibilities too precious to miss.