By Staff
Have you felt it yet?
The pressure is on. Everyone has started counting down the days with the winner the one with a clean house, beautifully wrapped presents - with no one forgotten - and a home cooked meal on the table, served with everything the right temperature.
This year, the rat race began even earlier than usual, with stores replacing Halloween decorations with lighted Christmas trees.
Gosh, I hope we don't hear “holiday” tree discussions again this year.
Somehow seeing all the hype for purchasing gifts so early, we are made to feel we are already late.
Why can't we have time to enjoy the family holiday of Thanksgiving first?
I can't believe all the stores that will be open on Thanksgiving Day just to get a jump on their sales. What about those people who won't be able to enjoy the day with their families because they have to work?
I realize there are some occupations who must still work that day, including our firefighters and police force, medical personnel and others. I appreciate the sacrifice they make to keep us safe.
But, do we really need to be shopping every single minute of the day, every day?
My children were scattered this year - some celebrating with their new families (their in-laws), which is great.
What worries me, though, is they are all just as busy as I am and each wishes they could spend the day in bed sleeping.
Did I instill too good of a work ethic in them? Is that even possible?
I brought pies to a friend's house for Thanksgiving.
Since I am not the best pie maker, I opted for two for $4 Sara Lee. You can't go wrong with Sara Lee.
Still the holiday won't be the same as I won't be doing any of the usual preparations, getting up early to get the turkey in the oven, making dressing and the famous green bean casserole.
The worse part is, I won't be smelling any of those great turkey cooking smells that morning. I also won't be enjoying leftover turkey sandwiches late that night.
Still the main reason for the holiday is sharing with others.
That will be the same.
Christmas is right around the corner. It is important to remember the real reason for this holiday, too.
What a good feeling you get when you help others.
I could see it the other night in Edwardsburg when 120 volunteers, young and old, from many different churches and organizations, gathered at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church to pack Thanksgiving baskets for the needy from the Edwardsburg Food Pantry.
The Rev. Jeff Reese from Hope United Methodist Church, who was organizing the workers, said he always wonders if anyone will show up.
Show up they did, in droves.
They will return the weekend before Christmas to repeat the process.
Throughout our communities, people are gathering food, toys and clothing for those in need.
Service organizations are planning parties to make sure every child receives a present.
Families who might have had nothing on Christmas morning will be unwrapping presents donated by their Adopt-A-Family donors.
In these actions, you can feel the true meaning of Christmas.
It isn't standing in line to buy a video game, only to try to make a profit on the Internet.
If you feel rushed and there isn't enough time between these two holidays, stop and take a deep breath. Think about what really needs to be done and what is the most important.
There is still time to teach your children sharing gives you the real feeling of Christmas.
Every community has events which need volunteers, which will make another's holiday special - and make you feel you have been given the best present yet.