With early Christmas deadlines looming, shopping still to be done and packages to wrap, finding calm almost seems impossible.

The holidays are always so busy.

I feel certain many of you are feeling the same way as me.

In addition to the normal everyday workload and weekly chores, this time of year can include extra functions like Christmas parties, school performances and out-of-town company arriving.

While all of these things can be fun, they can also have a tendency to wear you out and make you feel distressed.

Doing too much of anything, even when it is fun, can be taxing.

So last week when I came upon a little peace, it was an unexpected surprise.

And the crazy thing is that it happened during an interview for a magazine story.

I was sitting inside Fatu Dia’s small hair braiding shop on Clay Street, and after the interview was over, I realized I didn’t want to get up and go.

There was something about the shop that made me feel peaceful even though the weather outside was cold and rainy.

As I tried to pry myself out of the couch, I finally realized it was not the warm building that was making me feel peaceful, it was Fatu.

Not only is she quite an interesting woman, Fatu was born and raised in Africa and braids hair for a living, she also exudes a serene presence.

During the interview, Fatu told me she loved braiding hair and that it made her feel at peace.

The crazy thing is her state of being was contagious, and I too was feeling a sense of calm.

When I finally decided it was time to go, I informed Fatu I might be back, and with the way things are going it may be sooner than later!

In thinking about Fatu’s calming demeanor, I remember another woman who projected similar qualities — Catherine Davis.

Mrs. Davis was the mother of one of my elementary school friends.

She was a petite woman who was a schoolteacher, and I loved spending time at their home.

Mrs. Davis spoke in a quiet voice, and like Fatu, she had a serene presence about her.

One of my fondest memories of Mrs. Davis was when she served her daughter, Cathy, and me breakfast on trays in the living room.

There was no hullabaloo about watching out for crumbs are spilling anything. She just quietly placed the trays on our laps. And the cool orange juice cups that looked liked carved-out oranges were an added bonus.

I will also remember one particular afternoon when Mrs. Davis was baking.

Cathy and I were in the kitchen, and her mom was making cheese biscuits.

She made the task look so simple, rolling out the dough paper-thin and then methodically cutting it into quarter sizes and placing it on cookie sheets to bake.

To this day, I have never tasted cheese biscuits as good as Mrs. Davis’.

In the season of hurry-scurry, it’s nice to be reminded, we can find a little calm. 

Who knows, it might just be around the corner.

Terri Cowart Frazier is a staff writer at The Vicksburg Post. Readers are invited to submit their opinions for publication.