Surrendered the task of getting the Christmas tree up and decorated to my husband this year- notice the absence of ornaments on lower third of tree

Some people dream of a white Christmas.  Me, I dream of a “Martha Stewart” Christmas.  All southern chicks know what I am talking about - a beautifully decorated tree adorned with perfectly wrapped and color coordinated packages; timely Christmas cards with smiling, happy children and a neatly groomed dog; creative handmade gifts for teachers and friends; and a warm, inviting home complete with a fire burning, Christmas carols playing, and the smell of hot cider in the air!

I am finally beginning to accept that I may never be able to “pull off” the ideal “Martha Stewart” Christmas.  Oh I know that Christmas is so much more than this – and I totally agree!!  But humor my more totally secular southern chick party planner instincts here!  I have to confess that ever since I married and set up my own household, I have harbored this secret desire to have just one “Martha Stewart” Christmas.  It has never happened.  So in 17 years of marriage, I am 0 and 17!!  Once I even began shopping for Christmas presents in July.

God in His infinite wisdom always sends me several comical reminders as if to say – You aren’t really in charge . . . It isn’t Martha Stewart’s birthday  . . . Christmas is so much more  . . . .

My reminders come in many forms, including a muddy dog who plants a big paw print on the neatly pressed Christmas outfit right before the family picture; a bent limb on the artificial tree that causes the whole tree to appear lopsided; a string of lights that goes off and on intermittently; a key missing ingredient in the bitter cranberry cobbler; running out of tape on Christmas Eve; burnt yeast rolls at Christmas dinner; and the Christmas candle catching on fire.  The list goes on and on – enough to make a southern chick raise the white flag in surrender!

Well, it took me almost 20 years, but I have officially surrendered the “Martha Stewart” Christmas dream.  And, God has granted me peace and serenity as He always does when we turn things over to Him.  The peppermint chocolate chip bread didn’t turn out so well either, but hey- it’s okay –“Martha Stewart doesn’t live here.”

Merry Christmas!!

Chick A