I feel as though I'm living in some sort of time warp wherein holidays rush toward me at an incomprehensible speed -- not with heavy, steel-toed strides, but with soft, ballet-footed, sprinting tiptoes. Christmas has come at me like a flood; at first I felt unready for it and closed my eyes to the tinsel and chocolates in stores. But now, as the holiday is soon approaching, my heart is quietly disappointed that the usually comforting and joyful excitement of the coming season has escaped me. I haven't had time to look forward to it or steer my mind in the direction the holiday spirit. Although I no longer celebrate religious aspect of Christmas and haven't in many years, I continue to appreciate and be thankful for the brightly generous and uplifting nature of this season. I am devoting this weekend to preparing my heart and home for what I hope will manage to be a beautiful holiday filled with the spirit of Christmas.