Examining the difference....

Today has been wonderful. Just about the best day I can remember in a really, really long time. My children noticed it too. Several times today one or more of them would come up to me and tell me how happy they were or that they loved me so much and would give me a big hug. I got so much accomplished today too. The house is clean and Christmas ready. I made healthy and delicious meals, I even doubled the dinner recipe and made a freezer meal for later! I did laundry, washed, folded and put away! We did arts and crafts projects, we put together puzzles, and we colored. We turned off the television and listened to Christmas music all day. 

As I was folding the sixth batch of laundry I was reflecting on just why today was so different than our everyday life. Was it just an excess of Christmas spirit? Did someone sneak calm pills into the water? Had my children been replaced by much better behaved droids? No. The difference was me. I am calm. I am happy. I am not frantically trying to finish ten different things at the same time. I am not putting off spending time with my children. They have my complete attention. And guess what? They are calmer and happier too. There is a relaxing and welcoming spirit about our house that hasn't been here for awhile, and it feels so good to feel it again. 

I don't know why this is a lesson I have to keep learning over and over again... but apparently I do. That's why I am blogging about this, so next year when I've forgotten that the calmness begins with me and I am rushing around like a mad woman I can (hopefully) look back and remind myself. 

My children would rather have my time and attention putting together a puzzle than a hand-knit sweater to open on Christmas morning any day.

P.S. to me: You aren't going to have that many more years when they want your undivided time and attention, so use them wisely.