In no particular order, here are the things I must do for Christmas:
1. Find time to get the five of us together to frost cookies and dip pretzel sticks. It's absolutely one of my favorite things to do.
3. Get Christmas cards sent. I haven't left myself enough time to get them sent the past couple of years. I want people to know we're thinking of them.
4. Find a way to balance finding gifts people will really appreciate and stressing about buying them.
6. Enjoy one of the free events the city offers throughout the season.
In a perfect world, there would be time for hand-crafted gifts, perfectly wrapped presents, hosting a holiday party, caroling as we deliver goodies to the neighbors. But this is not a perfect world; it's my world and I'm going to do the best I can to make the next month as stress free as possible.
What things must you do in December to make your holidays work for you?
The older I get, the less I stress about the holidays. For adult gifts we are big on gift cards and on line shopping for the little ones ease stress, I do a minimal amount of decorating and always try to get a few holiday books and movies in.
ReplyDeleteThe priority for me is to stay positive during the downs as well as the ups of life as they occur whatever the season and be available for those who are working like you and have to juggle the time in the countdown to the Christmas break even if all my plans and preparations don't get done. I'm pleased that I've sent off cards to family abroad and arranged Christmas gifts for them so I've made a start on what matter most. Looking forward to seeing a grandson in a theatre production of A Christmas Carol on the 23rd.
ReplyDeleteYou and I are on the same page. I am so over the commercial aspect of the holiday. I just want to sit down with family and people I enjoy and that's it!
ReplyDeleteI managed to be a little more productive and wise this season (so far). I have two parties this week and no time really to make something or even plan something to make. I was going to leave the hairdresser today and just pick up a pie but last night, I went through my pantry and had stuff to make macaroons and so I made a double batch. One for tonight's party ad one for Friday's and that is that! Done.
We take two kids with Downs out every Christmas to look at lights. They are not kids anymore. We have been doing for 16 years, since my son was born and they do not get along now! For the past three years, the one would cut down and level the other, which made for a horrible time in the car. This year, I decided, I don't want to do that again so instead, I invited them to The Teen's winter concert. I have to attend the concert anyway, they get a change of pace and I can sit between them so they cannot fight ;) Problem solved.
What's left. We have our Disneyland trip but can't go on a work day since my husband cannot take the time off this year so that will be interesting. Disneyland on the weekend once winter break is in full swing will be packed to the gills.
We have our church Christmas show which I have the tickets for and then The Teen is in a play. I will back one batch of cookies. I bake more but people end up not eating them so I am just going to bake one really good batch.
I must watch all of my movies too. That's pretty much it
Oh I love this list! I definitely need to sit down and make one of my own! I'm not a huge eggnog fan but I love boiled custard! I keep passing it up at the grocery store but I should go buy me a carton! Have a very happy December.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Lisa! I wasn't going to put up the tree this year either until my husband came up with a solution that didn't involve moving furniture. I am so disgusted with the commercialism of the holidays lately that I went very low-key on all of my presents for family. Now, I just need to wrap them. What do I need to do this holiday season? Spend time with my family. That's really all I want.
ReplyDeletegreat list! Sending cards is on my list too - I enjoy selecting them and connecting with people in writing which is so rare these days. Although I have to admit, I am procrastinating this task a bit right now!
ReplyDeleteDecorating the house is a big deal--the tree is a hassle (and where to put the two ficus trees that occupy the space where the tree goes is my main holiday dilemma). We always go to my sister-in-law's house for Xmas dinner (they live 90 miles from our house), so Xmas Eve dinner with just the five of us at home is a must-do. Ordering gifts at the last minute and sweating bullets until they arrive is also a yearly tradition...
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for a great holiday season!