It’s a week before Christmas and I find myself bogged down at work and at home.  Before I can head off to enjoy the holiday with family, there is SO much to get done.  Most people find themselves in this same situation; last minute shopping, sending Christmas cards, baking, cleaning, and on and on.

I found myself watching a Hallmark Christmas movie this past week, while doing one of my many tasks.  I was just amazed at how the people were able to have perfectly decorated homes and also go caroling, make gingerbread houses and be involved in countless other holiday activities while still maintaining a full time job and taking care of a child under 13.  WHAT????  Where are these people because I need to become fast friends with them.  I’m single with no children and barely find time to watch a 2-hour Christmas movie in one sitting.  Hallmark portrays these characters that have high paying jobs and seemingly perfect little lives.  I mean, when have you ever seen one of these characters stuck on an expressway for an hour and a half because of construction?  Heck that happened to me today! 

We must remember that these types of movies are really fantasy and not reality.  Trying to do all these things and doing them perfectly is not realistic.  Those people that strive for this “perfection” will never attain it this side of Heaven.  It’s better to enjoy the real and imperfect, messy holidays with friends and family.  When we reflect upon the time later, will we even notice the imperfections or will we just remember the love and joy?