It’s time to start tuning in again.
Right after the holidays, when most desires have been met (at least temporarily) in the annual gift exchange, and the winter doldrums often have a hold on those who don’t relish short days, long nights, cold fingers, and frozen toes, I take a break. I tune out. I slink down under the blankets. But never for very long.
Soon enough, I feel the urge to tune in again. To look out again and focus on others. To start listening again to the music of others’ lives.
People make such beautiful music. Sometimes it’s big and booming, crashing cymbals and trumpets and violins. Sometimes it’s a sweet, simple tune, barely a whisper. But it is so fun to tune in to the variety, to be present, to take in the cacophony all around, and to enjoy each individual tune.
I have a little notebook that I created for myself, decorated (I’m a rubber stamper) for Christmas, in which I keep my lists -parties, foods, snack recipes, card lists, and gift ideas. I love that next Christmas gives me the best reason to stay tuned in all year round, and discover throughout the year those gifts that will celebrate another’s life, loves, and passions. My lists evolve all year long, as the tunes change. It’s a great way to capture the highlights of the year for everyone.
Don’t get me wrong, I still give my niece socks with toes every year, 
just to make her roll her eyes at me in disgust. That’s what favorite aunts are for! (She has two, by the way. Both favorites.)
Time to tune in and start building those gift lists for 2008!
~Janet @ The Christmas Place
