I don’t know why she does this to herself. Last year with a bum knee. This year nine months pregnant. It seems nothing will cause mom to so much as reconsider hosting her annual Christmas party. Both times I listened as she assured her guests beforehand that it would be “low key” given “her condition.” And both times I watched as that is far from what happened.
She inevitably hustles around the kitchen up until the very last minute when the first guest arrives, regardless of her “condition.” Sure, there are the staples that grace the table of deliciousness that is strategically placed just beyond my reach. There are the chips and dips and cheese trays. But there are also the extras like the ham and cheese puffs and cranberry bliss bars. And then the guests come.
It started with Jess and Rich and baby Alexis. One by one, the group grew to include several people I’ve come to know and love. It wasn’t long before everyone was sitting together enjoying samples of the variety of delicacies. And that’s when I saw it. Joy. From the ground up, it was radiating from mom.
It was subtle. I don’t think anyone else even noticed. But I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Her sigh wasn’t one of stress or exhaustion. It was a sound that somehow embodied everything about the spirit of the season. She was sitting in the living room surrounded by people she holds dear to her heart. All was well in her world in that moment.
So I think I get it now. I understand why mom does this to herself, with the bustling around the kitchen and the ham and cheese puffs. It’s the same reason I choose to share my unique perspective on joy with the world. It’s a reason that has not changed in all 365 days of my blogging journey. True joy, like what I saw in mom tonight, is meant to be shared. “Joy is to fun what the deep sea is to a puddle,” as English novelist Terry Pratchet once wrote. “It’s a feeling inside that can hardly be contained.” It’s a feeling to embrace this time of year. More importantly, it’s a feeling to share. So dive on in. The water is warm.
Wiley's Wisdom 
Oh Wiles!!!! I looks like it was a FABULOUS party!!!! Enjoy the party afterglow!!!! Hugs
I love parties. And the afterglow. And the treats. And you. Good to see you, dear friend. 🙂
A Christmas party and perhaps a party to celebrate 365 DAYS OF WRITING BY WILEY?! I am glad your Mom was so happy in the midst of people, babies and dogs she loves. I am so proud to know you, Wyles – a true, veritable, verite achievement – you did not miss a single day! Bravo, Wyles! Best of hugs ~ HuntMode
Dear friend,
Your comment illustrates one of my favorite things that has come of the blog this year. Thank you for your enthusiasm, your support and the best gift of all – your friendship. To many more days of joy as we embark on the next chapter…
Lots of love to all members of the HuntMode family,
Wyles
Lovely to meet your family…
Thanks! I think they’re pretty great, but I might be a little biased. 😉
Wiley, your family look so happy and that smile on your Mom’s face as she hold you couldn’t be any bigger. You all look like you had lots of fun. I hope you had some tasty snacks too Wiles 🙂
I’d love to do something like that, but I don’t have an oven or even a stove top. However, on Boxing Day, we will all gather at my son’s home and have a real shindig. Eight grandchildren, ten adults. My son does all the cooking – it’s his “thing” whether birthdays or Christmas.
Dear Lyn,
As usual, your words inspire me. Thank you for your kindness, and for being part of my daily dose of joy. I’m so happy to hear of this shindig and all of the people coming together. Togetherness is joy regardless of the time of year…and regardless of who does the cooking. 🙂
Lots of love,
Wiles
To be together is really joy. I love the picture of your family and the best is, you are a part of it!
Indeed – I always manage to find a way to be right in the middle of this thing called joy. It’s the only place to be. 🙂
We just nominated you for the 2013 BLOG OF THE YEAR AWARD! Check out our post here: http://nikitaland.wordpress.com/2013/12/21/blog-of-the-year-award/
Thank you so very much for such a wonderful honor. I responded in more detail in the beautiful place that is Nikitaland. 🙂
That does look joyous, Wiles! How wonderful that you were able to plop your fluffy self right in the middle of it. Awesome.
Love and Christmas licks,
Cupcake
Dear Cupcake,
You bet I plop myself right in the middle of the joy!There is no doubt in my mind this is another of our shared skills. 🙂
Love and Christmas licks right back at ‘ya!
Wiles
Thanks for sharing the joy – it spreads to all of us. I agree with Cupcake in how wonderful it is that you were right in the middle of it!
Happy holidays,
sandy and toby
As that is my ultimate goal with this blog, it means a lot for you to say such a thing, dear Sandy. Thank you.
A very Merry Christmas to you and Toby!
Reblogged this on Wiley's Wisdom and commented:
A bustling house is a happy house around my forever home.