This month we are all about being for the joy. This is it; the final month of 2020 and it’s time to pull out all the stops. I am here for all the joy right now! If I can find it, conjure it up, stumble upon it or make something slightly more joyful, I am here for all of it. Except for those damn elves. I thought about it for a minute and I even reached out to my sister who is a master at Elf on the Shelf.  After 3 text messages explaining streamers barricading doors, marshmallows, toilet paper and donuts, I tapped out. I am not even going to pretend that I will create an alternate universe for an elf each night. I couldn’t even remember to help the tooth fairy out when my kids lost a tooth! I’m surely not shopping for elf decorations!  A girl needs to know her limits and elves are mine.

I know some of you are probably wondering how on earth we could possibly find joy without little elves sitting on our shelves and I’m sorry, but there are other ways, which really is the point of this whole month. Joy can be found in anything you are doing, wherever you are and whomever you are with. Some of us are going to find joy in elves because it’s fun and the joy it brings our families is endless. 

Some of us are going to find joy in decorations. This weekend, we finally put up our Christmas trees and lights. I know it’s shocking that it took me so long because I have been discussing decorations for weeks. I did put Christmas sheets on the beds the first week of November and I have slowly been dragging pillows out weekly. Pacing myself has been hard and definitely not joyful, however, I promised my youngest that I would wait for her to come home from college before we decorated, so wait we did. 

Our first opportunity to get festive was this past weekend and we went all out. We bought a real Christmas tree and dragged out all of the outdoor lights, garland, wreaths and spotlights. No one will accuse us of being Grinchy, for sure.

Now, it’s all up and shining brightly. Guys, all the lights bring me so much joy! I love nothing more than to sit in a room that is filled with tiny twinkly lights on a Christmas tree. This tiny little act of being present in the midst of twinkly lights transports me to my happy place, but I understand that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Okay, I don’t understand it at all, but everyone has to find their own joy journey.

Some of us are going to find joy in giving to others. Actually, I hope all of us find some joy in giving. Whether it’s your neighbors or your local charities, everyone is in need this year. Everyone is feeling a void and we can fill it. Donate your time, your money, toys and food to your local food bank. Check on your neighbors and leave a little Christmas cheer on their front porch. Aside from elves, giving to others really does bring the most joy.

Sunshine & Sarcasm,
Lowi & G

The point is, that this is the time to pull out all the stops. It’s time to find your joy wherever you can find it, even if it is dressed in red and sitting on a shelf.

Sunshine & Sarcasm,

Lowi & G