Burn that taper!

‘Tis the season for comfort and joy … and less perfection.

This year, I vowed to stop needing everything to be perfect and to enjoy the present moments that bring me joy. Present over perfect!

I sit in the dark, except for the lights on the Christmas tree, sip my coffee, and listen to Christmas music. It’s good for my soul.

The day after Thanksgiving, I am usually a busy little Martha Stewart wannabe, scampering back and forth between the garage and the house, bringing Christmas to all the nooks and crannies of our Little House on the Alley. Lifting and toting the totes give me quite the workout. It’s too much, says my aching right hip.

This year, I’m doing things differently. I’m giving myself a gift: less perfection and more relaxation.

I enjoy bringing Christmas into the house, but I’ve lessened my need to embrace the “more is merrier” philosophy. My granddaughter, Abby, is happy to take what I don’t use. Merry Early Christmas, Abigail!

I must confess I did not put ALL the ornaments on the tree. No one will notice, I’m sure of it. I still go a little heavy on the number of Christmas trees placed in the Nativity scene, around my snowmen, and on my kitchen windowsill and shelves with farm animals, all decked out for Christmas. Yes, the bathroom has a Christmas tree.

I discovered that Trader Joe’s has “real” greenery ($3.99 a bunch) that will blanket the center of our dining room table. I tucked a few golden tapers into antique candlesticks. Guess what? I’m burning them! For some reason, I never lit my tapers. I’m not sure why. I’ve decided to burn them this year. I’m even burning them while I write. They make me happy. Let’s hear it for the little things that bring joy.

I’m bringing out the antique dishes to use every day. Although they are mismatched, they have one thing in common: They remind me of the dinners my mother would make. She made everything special, and I love the reminders.

As a child growing up, fried ham found its place on the floral cream platter with tiny flowers on the edges. Fried candied sweet potatoes created a contrast of color in the Jadeite bowl. Ribbon candy was placed into the ornate crystal dish as if it were part of the décor. Mom’s homemade fudge was stored in a well-used tin. Mom never threw away a pretty tin.

Have you ever thought about gifting an antique bowl or candlestick from an antique store? Every antique has a story. Find an antique store and maybe a unique candlestick to burn a taper! Trust me, your heart will smile. Buy one for yourself and a friend or two. Thistle and Thyme and the Annex in downtown Noblesville have some really pretty ones. Tell them Janet sent you.

Now that the house is decorated, I can sit by candlelight, curl up with my comfy blankey, watch a Christmas movie or turn on a lamp, and read a Christmas novella by my author friend, Laura Thomas. I have learned to no longer feel guilty about slowing down and enjoying the things I used to feel guilty about doing.

Over the years, while I loved shopping and decorating, I realized how overstimulated I would become and, shall I admit, exhausted. Overstimulated means mentally overwhelmed. Can I get a witness?

It was exhausting to deal with traffic, find a parking spot, and play defense around so many people in the mall as I searched for the perfect gift. I might have been a bit bah humbug by the time I got home. Only once did I give in to the temptation of early morning Black Friday sales, and I vowed never to do it again.

Now, I stay close to home and support local small businesses, as the gifts are unique. I love hearing, “Where did you find this?”

And, of course, I feel the need to reward myself at one of the coffee shops or cafes where everyone seems to know my name. I love indulging with a latte or chai. We have a brand-new bookstore nestled into our downtown. Welcome to Chapter Book Lounge! How about a unique book for a special friend?

What brings you comfort and joy? Do you have a taper candle tucked in a drawer that needs to be burned?

What is keeping you from enjoying the Christmas season? Less perfection = less stress.

May you find your comfort and your joy this Christmas! Buy the candlestick and … BURN THAT TAPER!

Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). Visit janethartleonard.com.