I think my very favourite Christmas quote is by Andy Rooney.
“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day. Don't clean it up too quickly."
That was my job over the years and remains so.
I wanted to clean up the paper and the ribbons and place the gifts back under the tree in a proper design.
As you have likely gleaned from past columns, it is not because I am a clean freak or that I want to restore order to the house.
Just the opposite.
We used the family living room only on special occasions. It was for company. We got in there sparingly and Christmas was one of those memorable times.
I wanted that clean-up job because I would procrastinate. I would take my time. I would do anything to stall.
“I’ll clean it up after breakfast. After a second coffee. Before lunch.”
I just didn’t want to face the fact that the magic of the day was coming to an end.
I wanted to see the family dog and cats hiding in the boxes and wrestling in the tissue paper.
There is a message in the mess, as they say.
Someone spent hours wrapping the gifts in pretty paper and decorating with bows and tags.
No doubt as they wrapped each one they were thinking of the recipient and hoping they would love it.
They imagined you receiving it and your reaction.
I actually think the answer to true joy is to be a cheerful 'getter'.
As we grow older, it really is true we enjoy giving even more than getting, but it's equally important to react well to the gift.
Nothing feels worse than feeling your gift was a huge flop.
Children, of any age, should be taught to take time with each present and not toss one aside just to get on to the next.
It shouldn’t matter if it's your fifth pair of socks. Accept it with gratitude.
A dollar-store gift should get the same happy reaction as something with a higher price tag.
I make a point of never letting anyone think I didn’t care for a present they chose.
Even the time my ex-husband gave me a card that read: “To someone of whom I am quite fond.”
He even signed his last name.
Inside, I cringed, but I didn’t want to show how bad that made me feel. He meant well.
We all get busy and stressed and distracted leading up to the big day!
Let’s make an attempt to make a fuss over what anyone bought for us. Let’s point out how nice the host’s home looks.
Make mention of the effort they made to make you feel welcome.
Before the meal is gobbled down in 15 minutes flat — try to appreciate all the effort and expense that went into it.
Heck, take a picture and Instagram it!
In other words, enjoy your turkey, but don’t be one.
Enjoy every minute of the giving and the getting and the glorious mess that will remain.
