Day 18

A week has shot by and I haven't been here.  There is a reason they call this the silly season.  Not only all the school plays, parties, man-flu, poorly cats, office lunches/dinners, but also the present buying and wrapping, shopping etc.  STOP!!!! This should just not be what December is about.  This frantic pressure to get things perfect for Christmas day.  They already have been made perfect by the birth of Jesus. 
He was born in a stable, amongst animals.  Yes, it was crazy busy outside, people rushing to get their census completed, find accommodation, get meals, find lost family etc, but in that barn there must have been a haven of peace.
We work so hard to achieve the peace of Christmas and to have a lovely "relaxing" day.  We all wish each other peace and good will as we wrestle our way through the shops, shoving and cursing the crowds, hooting at other drivers with impatience and dreading all the driving to see friends and family.
I want to try and slow down, breathe the winter air and relish the peace this year.  Hopefully the rest of this week will make time for reflection  and enjoyment in preparation of celebrating Christ's birth.