Making Time

This time of the year always seems so busy…even when I think I’m taking a simple, straightforward approach to things…even when – at least in comparison to some folks – I don’t feel like we have a million engagements to attend, or seven different sides of the family to fit in…there’s still always something to do, something shiny to draw my attention.

Amid the hustle and bustle this year, though, I have been able to step back and appreciate what has to be one of my favorite parts of the season.

It struck me when I got together with three of my twin mom friends on December 21, just a few days before Christmas. We met one evening at a downtown restaurant for appetizers and desserts, after our kiddos were in bed.

We had such a fun time, and it was so relaxed! We devoured three appetizers, and we shared a monstrous dessert, the whole time telling some pretty tall tales…such that I felt a little sorry for our waitress. She kept coming to check on us, and we’d say, “Oh, we’re fine, just talking.” She may have been wishing we’d hurry things up…or then again she may have been entertained by some of our shenanigans. (We’ll hope it was the latter…as long as she didn’t hear too much!)

I came home pretty exhausted, but so happy…happy to have been surrounded by such good company, and ultimately energized by the fun we’d had.

I know each of us had a to-do list a mile long, but for those couple of hours, our lists were forgotten. We made the time to share with each other, and what a great gift that was.

Over the past week, I’ve enjoyed several such experiences…connecting with friends, appreciating each other’s company, and enjoying the holiday season together.

I didn’t trade expensive gifts with any of my friends…but the gift of time, particularly carved out during such a busy season, is so much more than money can buy.