Not quite a native Ripley Countian - she attended only her last year of high school in Doniphan though she taught in the R-1 system for 32 years - Teresa (Pearson) Lee delights in surprising readers and herself with anecdotal observations of life in general. Maybe you can blame her St.Louis roots for a quirky humor and some slightly-askewed opinions, but never doubt she writes from the heart.

Self on the Shelf

Posted Thursday, December 24, 2020, at 8:23 AM

I can do it. I can be like Elf on the Shelf. I can be Self on the Shelf.

I can BE STILL. (I first typed ‘Sit Still’ but, boy-o-boy! Did that conjure up some memories! Somehow Dad trying to ensure I did meant we created a much bigger ruckus than had I been allowed to wiggle, but I digress). We all need quiet time to relax, ponder, observe, to cue in to others’ joys and needs as well as our own. We might be more inclined to consider quiet time this Christmas 2020 with pandemic restrictions ‘helping’ us reduce the harrowing hustle and bustle that sometimes masks the reason for this season in ‘normal’ circumstances. Elf is observant.

I can CREATE. (That motivates me more than ‘Make Do’ does, which focuses on lack rather than gratitude). Integrate favorite traditions in new ways. Move the tree. Have a second one. Is it still a thing to hang one upside down? Add candlelight. Carol from room to room or share with loved ones your voices on facebook live or audio texts. Send store-bought or homemade cards the ‘old-fashioned’ way; share personalized messages in each. Use precious ornaments, cards and mementos to decorate in alternative styles. Let the kids design placemats or holiday pictures for the fridge. Find ways for all to help. Just create less havoc than Elf.

I can SHARE. (Technically the Elf is doing that when he ‘Tattles’ to Santa, right)? We can share the reason we celebrate this holy time along with the ways we celebrate. We can share our ears and our time, giving others missing friends and loved ones the opportunity to share their traditions and memories. Share cookies and stories, smiles and recipes. Share the story from the second chapter of Luke. Share joy. Remember, the Elf fits into each family in different ways, but he always shares fun.

I can LOVE. It transcends the woes of this coronavirus, helps us celebrate through our sorrows, gives us hope and promise. It’s a verb, too. Requires action - both giving and receiving. I wish you love and joy this season no matter how you celebrate it. Merry Christmas!