I was chatting with a dear friend yesterday.
We have not spoken in a while. I wanted to tell her I miss her, I wanted to tell her life has been full and exciting and instead I said “I am sorry “. Then she said sorry too. We were apologising for being busy, not finding the time to catch up.
Looking back no apology was needed, from either of us. No wrong had been done, no injury, no hurt or neglect.
I was using sorry to cover up for my awkwardness and the truth.
My truth is, I have been busy taking care of my family.
Busy keeping up with the end of year flurry of activity for the kids.
Busy decorating my home, busy cooking cakes and biscuits for Christmas gifts.
Busy making slideshows and other gifts with photos.
Busy working, busy shopping, busy cleaning, busy getting it all ready.
I am not sorry for this busy, I love this busy. Enjoy this busy. I plan this busy. I even create more of this busy.
Christmas is busy and this excites and exhausts me and I am not sorry.
My dearest friends and I know we will be enjoying a meal together this December, we always do.
Somehow, somewhere, time opens up in our schedules and we saturate ourselves in the joy of friendship.
We find time, make time and holt the busy to enjoy these moments that matter.
This is Christmas, it is busy and I am not sorry.
How do you feel about being busy at Christmas? Are you ever sorry?
Timely message Karen. Not ten minutes ago I realised I’d forgotten a friend’s birthday yesterday. We’d texted back and forth throughout the day and it never twigged. I did thank her for being a loyal reader of my blog though so for that I’m thankful. Not a hopeless shrew to her on her special day.
Yes, I like being busy and I love this time of year. December is wonderful. Just wish I’d remembered her special day on the day!
The December birthdays are the tricky ones. I have 3 this week, one is my Mum, better not forget that.
I love the busy that this time of year brings. Yes, sometimes it can get a tiny bit overwhelming, but hopefully we do what we do because we enjoy it not because we feel obliged to do it. I think because all of us are caught up in the same festive busyness we cut each other lots of slack. True friendship means picking up where you left off as though no time has passed – and never having to say I’m sorry.
Mo, going crazy and loving it, no sorry needed for that.
To be honest, some days I love it and other days it’s a bit overwhelming. We have two family birthdays in December, two young kids (who often have separate break-ups), as well as the usual extras that December brings. Add to the mix a husband whose job is extremely stressful at the end of the year, and some days … well, a day under the bed covers would be preferable.
However, I do love the sense of excitement and happiness that abounds at this time of year. I love the anticipation that the days before Christmas bring, and I love the feeling of everything winding down.
I think it’s also important to remember the little people who love this time of the year, so even though I am sometimes overwhelmed with busyness, I always make the effort to make it special for my kids.
Yes, it can be busy, but it is also quite special.
This whole year has been a little too busy. I am going to make a point of stepping back next year, trying to make a plan to be more productive and enjoy the little things in life a little more. I don’t want to look back and feel like I missed out. 🙂 Merry Christmas!!
Michelle stepping back sounds great, always easier said than done for me.
I’m sorry not sorry too. I’ve been so busy not with Christmas projects & I don’t have any kids but with work. Yeah, I know. We had a girl quit so I’ve been working from 8am-7pm Monday – Saturday. I apologize to them. I feel like you feel. I can’t wait until Christmas eve & Christmas. We have off those 2 days {which is unusual}. I’m stopping by from SITS & I hope you have a great Saturday!
Leslie work pressures skyrocket at this time of year too and those are long days you are working, wishing you a wonderful Christmas
You are so right. I was finding myself feeling bad at one point too and then I realized this is the time to be a bit selfish when it comes to time with my family and focusing on us. No apologies needed. Great post…
Thanks Tiffany.
This is such a fantsatic post! (I’m really good at that – always starting a conversation with an “I’m Sorry”…)
A few months ago my best friend and I made an agreement that we don’t apologize for things. (Unless, of course, there is something we truly need to apologize for.) We are business partners, so it felt like twice a day we would text or call saying “I’m so sorry I ____!” Because we’re both incredibly busy on top of our shared-business. It was getting pathetic and frustrating. We were wasting so much time apologizing for stuff that didn’t matter.
Jacque it is incredible how often we say sorry in a day. Good on you and your biz partner for recognising this and gaining back some time.
Certain seasons of the year, and life, are busier than others–and I don’t think anyone needs to be sorry about that! The bad thing is when other people try to make you feel sorry or make you apologize for your busy-ness…when really they should not be doing that.
This is true I love being busy – I think it makes you feel productive and efficient, especially this time of year. We are busy but we’re busy doing things for our families and to make the Holiday season more special – I’m sure you friend is in the same predicament and she understands just like you. Have a great one Karen! -Iva
Thanks Iva, busy with family and holiday festivities sounds fabulous. Enjoy.
I love Christmas! it is busy indeed people wants to be with their family so and I understand. I’m not sorry I have countless christmas plays to attend, different tree lighting event, I have small children christmas is the highlight of their year so it is mine also!
sooo not sorry at all!
I understand completely! I find with my really, really close friends, they get it too. It doesn’t matter if its been days or ahem, a year, we can pick up right where we left off, and be comfortable about it too.