~ ~ ~
I took the bulk of the kids to Sunday School/church this morning. Oldest daughter came later for the service.
Woodboy had to stay home for a client who was picking up a repaired chair at our house. (Usually folks meet him at his shop, but this was a special situation. Gorgeous Regency chair though...early 1800's. The designer said something about it being from the days of Andrew Jackson.)
We lit the first candle of Advent in SS. I help in the little kids' class and today we only had two---my least one and another child. We made a manger scene out of cut-outs, construction paper and the pieces were all colored with markers and crayons. I love kids' crafts that look all messed up and sweet. The imperfect nature of them adds to the charm.
The first candle was lit in the service as well. Purple and pink candles in a ring of Magnolia leaves. The days before Christmas at church are more quiet and worshipful. Not the angsty anticipation of the days just before the 25th. Since our Thanksgiving at home was tense, what with the two wayward boys being here (which was wonderful---having all my chickens under our roof at one time), I think we were a bit anxious. My chest had been tight ever since, but while our Priest gave the homily, I was able to finally breathe. And a two hour nap this afternoon was the perfect icing on the day.
The plan is to look at December not as a challenge, but an enjoyment. Not always easy when every time, or most every time you go shopping you're challenged by Christmas music spurring you on and hurrying people. And I don't want a re-cap of Thanksgiving, wondering what's going on in everyone's heads, shaking mine and wondering where I went wrong as a parent (I realize that's the enemy talking). None of that, though. Today is still November. I have a few weeks ahead of me, and I can dally all I want. But come December first I'll be plagued like most folks to get busy. May we all resist that voice as long as possible.