Thursday, Cammy and I went to Tina's on Madison.  Eclectic only describes the beginning of the experience.  Fabric is everywhere, with no particular rhyme or reason.  The giant rolls are stacked in corners, fanning out on both sides. A semblance of a center aisle can be seen.  Some rolls are stacked haphazard from shelves, appearing ready to fall under the weight.  First the colors remind me of being inside an Easter basket.  Splashes of color everywhere, with no regard with what may clash with what.  Then, as my eyes adjust, I notice the textures.  My hand reaches out regardless whether I am interested in the fabric or not.  I could drown in the richness of it all.  After touching everything in sight, I notice the collection of tassels.  The owner definitely has an affinity. 

Cammy, ever knowing on the spot what she likes, picks a black textured satin for her hood/shawl.  We both notice the owner has an antique cash register, which she states she has had for years; before it became antique.  It is for use, not show.  She does old style credit cards with the rolling slide gizmo.  She prefers cash, which we were happy to part with.  Tina detains us, without resistance, to see the article on her shop in a major professionals interior decorator magazine.  Yup, lots of tassels in the mock bedroom.  Tina's personal dress style is a reflection of her shop, lots of colors and textures.  She speaks with an eastern European accent and American slang still escapes her, which is a source of laughter between us.

We were reulctant to leave, so we wandered the community of Madison Park 'till dusk.  Tina's is worth starting a new project just for an excuse to go there.

Sigh.  I have been struggling with this voice that whispers inside; so quietly that most of the time I can ignore it.  But it is always there, asking to come out, asking why I don't listen. I want to meditate, sew, laugh with the trees outside; but I spend my time exhausted from work, worrying, and just distracted. 

I spent the evening with Cammy discussing the why of not living the way the little voice wants to and concluded I need to get rid of stuff I cling to.  An image of it sits in the back of my mind and tires me just trying to ignore it.  Time to let go and live like I did in college; all my belongings could fit into the trunk of my car. 

I smiled this Christmas as I saw what the holiday means to me; how I have made it mine.  John, my brother-in-law, posted a comment on Facebook about keeping Christ in Christmas.  He got me thinking as a voice inside said, "what if we took Christ out of Christmas?"  Let me explain.

I would like to celebrate Christ's birthday in the spring, when he was born.  We could mark the day with respect, and gratitude at what this great Man has given us.  We would have time for a Church service, and share our joy with fellow Christians. 

Christmas could be about the pagan aspects we all celebrate.  We could cherish our decorated trees, and not wonder if they should be palm trees.  We would not feel guilty about referring to Santa Claus, instead of Christ, in stories and advertising.  We could express our affection for one another by exchanging gifts and salutations, without offending non-Christians.  People of all religions could participate because most Christmas traditions are from religions and mythologies long gone.  Christmas is a national holiday as evidenced by the US Government, banks, and most businesses giving the day off as a paid holiday.  Why not make it something everyone can enjoy?

We gathered one evening and each family member stated what made Christmas special for them.  We all agreed on a dead tree with lights and decorations.  We  like different versions of our favorite Christmas songs and delight in sharing new ones with each other.  We wanted to exchange small gifts as a sign of affection and a reflection of the giver.  Cammie and I like making Christmas cards as this is a way to express our affection to those we do not exchange gifts with.  Brad likes having a special dinner.  Cammie likes starting the day with coffee, cinnamon rolls, and watching the Nutcracker.  Jess just liked not being in Alaska.

This planning made each moment of Christmas special, especially the two weeks leading up to the big day.  I liked making Christmas our own.

I plan on celebrating Christ's Birthday this March by making a cake, with candles, and reflecting on the gifts and wisdom he gives us.  So, yes, John, I am putting Christ back in Christmas by giving him a whole holiday to himself.  He doesn't have to share it with Santa, nor the retailers, and most of all, his day will not be about overspending, or yelling at clerks.  Maybe the idea will catch on and more people can have a day celebrating Christ, instead of a day about pagan traditions.