Sunday, December 18, 2011

Christmas Meltdown 2011

Oh, Christmas...How did you sneak up so quickly this year? The only thing I've done as of Dec. 18, one week before the big day- is decorate our house. Yep. Deep breaths here... I'm trying to avoid Christmas Meltdown 2011.

I have managed to wrap the handful of presents my dear husband has purchased for his family-- he's so ahead of me here--, but those are the only things under our tree. I am mentally preparing myself now for a whirlwind week full of high-strung kiddos on Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday- two doctors appointments, a cookie exchange, and a birthday dinner for my mother, Thursday- Christmas gathering at our house, Friday- Christmas cocktail party at our house, and Saturday and Sunday-- all full up of family.

Sheesh. I'm tired just thinking about it. My fashion style for this week will most definitely be Cozy-Chic. I will probably be in jeans, a comfy top and either tennis shoes or bejeweled flats-- frazzled hair, limited make-up, and caffeinated beverage in hand (images of Britney with her Starbucks just came to mind). Let's hope my husband called "What Not to Wear" for me for my Christmas present and they are secretly filming somewhere.

At some point I need to squeeze in all of my holiday shopping. I am actually seriously considering waiting until Christmas Eve. As long as I go really early I can still make it to our Christmas Eve lunch ... depending on what I have to cook ...

Will my entire family be offended if they all get gift cards? Thoughtful, not at all. But I think we can all agree that gift cards are in the top 5 list of most wished-for gifts AND I can purchase them all in one store in less than 20 minutes. Another pro: a basket full of gift cards is much easier to transport to the three different family functions we attend.

I keep reminding myself to do something thoughtful and to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Hopefully those two mantras will help me refrain from assaulting someone in Wal-Mart.

So, if you see me out shopping in the next seven days, I'm not trying to be rude. I'm not lost. I'm not homeless, despite my appearance. I'm simply trying to avoid Christmas Meltdown 2011.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Holiday Update

How quickly time passes during this time of year! Here's a quick run down of our past few weeks...

Since my last posting, we hosted Thanksgiving (which turned out quite fabulous but not without its fair share of drama). I've decorated our house for Christmas... after multiple shopping trips and close to 12 hours of labor. :) I must say I'm proud of myself for the holiday decor this year despite its blows to the budget. I even made a wreath for the front door, an all day project that was an amazing distraction from reality. Last week, I spent two amazing days changing diapers, rocking, and giving bottles to two of my handsome baby nephews.
In the last hour, I've finished addressing Christmas cards and purchased the ridiculous stamps required for square cards. My plans for this evening are to get some housework done and pack for a trip to Atlanta. I'm excited to spend some time with my husband, his sister, and her new baby, Spence. I'm actually really excited because being away from home will give me an excuse to procrastinate on Christmas chores, like shopping. I haven't bought the first Christmas present. *Sigh

My act of kindness to note today... I know there have been so many more in the past few weeks... but it's been a long day with 19 kindergartners who are already so excited about Christmas. After my two hour shopping trip for holiday stuff in Hobby Lobby two weeks ago, a nice lady offered to take my cart back in the store for me. I think she could clearly see I was dizzy and lightheaded from spending way too long in those florescent lights. Or maybe she just wanted to get the buggy for herself; either way, I didn't have to walk it back inside the store.

Enjoy the next few weeks until Christmas! I know I'm reminded everyday of how exciting this time of year is, especially for the little ones.