I'm failing at Christmas this year. The tree not only isn't up, but I saw where it is, considered pulling it out, then didn't. Maybe I've changed from a put it up Dec 1 person. to let's decorate it Christmas eve mom. The worst part if that is I actually convinced my daughter that she doesn't think we need it, at least not yet. I haven't finished wrapping. Furthermore I have decided that Santa and his elves no longer wrap presents because its easier to see who its for if you're not trying to see a little name on a tiny tag somewhere on the present. Santa knows what everyone gets so he can just look in the bag and get the right one. Someone ate the Christmas baking. OK it was me. well me and one other person. it was really just to save stress, now I don't have to worry about any allergies or who likes what best. I do miss having them though, and we love to bake together so maybe Christmas eve will be baking day...or tomorrow if I remember. I forgot to purchase some presents. I also forgot to tell Santa that she would have her stocking out. Now this one wasn't a complete fail because after deciding it doesn't matter anyway and crawling into bed, I remembered the things I purchased in November and hid because I was starting early so I'd get it all done right. Here's hoping its enough to fill a stocking! Guess I better check, or do a trial run. Worst case scenario I could go to the store, but with school out for holidays she would be picking her own stuff out. I bought presents and am slowly wrapping them, however its taking significantly longer then necessary (I LOVE the wrapping so I'm trying to make it last) and I'm not really sure I got something for everyone I needed too. I'm sure there will be something around the house I can give them, or I will bake more. Baking seems easier then going into a store this time of year, and I can totally bake at 7 am, when nothing else is open, and with a double batch I get treats for myself as well. That seems like a yummy plan; I certainly hope I bought myself larger pants for under the tree. I also forgot to put up the outside decorations. I've never decorated the outside of my house before but in October and November I was all wrapped up in Christmas spirit and had huge plans. I was going to get them all up before the snow! I think I'll put the lights up in the spring and call it mood lighting all year. At least then I'll know I did it! We haven't watched any Christmas movies. I watch Scrooge every single year, at least once, plus all the Santa Clause ones with Tim Allen in them, as well as the Santa Baby ones and whatever else I find all month. I've seen one this year and it was mostly because when I turned on the TV that's the channel it was on. I didn't take my daughter to pick presents for anyone, we talked about it and I just bought them. This has to be less fun for her but she seems happy she had a say and still got to stay home. I am clearly raising a homebody who only likes to go out once a week and will only go to school because her friends are more fun them sweeping again.
There are not the usual Christmas CDs playing in my home, I've not had anyone over for treats or coffee or just a visit, I haven't spent any time with my extended family, and I don't even know where my Santa hat is, the good one with bells or my backup one for someone who forgets theirs. I haven't even planned my Christmas open house. So what HAVE I done? I hung the stockings, I did the cookie exchange, I bought and dropped off the teacher present, I decorated the living room, I got together some food I'll take to the food bank after they use all their stock for the Christmas rush, I spent time teaching my child that its more about picking something they'll love then spending a ton of money, I knitted, I picked presents no one else will pick, I wrapped with love and precision, and I hid things I bought ahead of time and have launched a search to find them. I also reminded myself and those around my that this time of year is about caring, sharing, love, and appreciation. It's not about what I forgot to do but about those I remembered to call and the happiness on their faces when I got them something they really anted but wouldn't get for themselves, or when they consider how long I spent knitting that scarf just for them and suiting their own personality. What really matters is the feelings behind the season not the shiny lights or stacks of gifts lost in the closet. I hope you can feel a little bit of how I feel this year. I have seen an outpouring of love and feel very spoiled and showered with well wishes, presents I love, and the chance to see the pride they have in doing something so great for me. I know it is the season of giving, but I've been on the receiving end of so many wonderful emotions and precious moments that all the usual activities have fallen behind. Even if I am failing at the act of Christmas I am happy to say Christmas has not failed me, and I've gotten the spirit of the season just right.
There are not the usual Christmas CDs playing in my home, I've not had anyone over for treats or coffee or just a visit, I haven't spent any time with my extended family, and I don't even know where my Santa hat is, the good one with bells or my backup one for someone who forgets theirs. I haven't even planned my Christmas open house. So what HAVE I done? I hung the stockings, I did the cookie exchange, I bought and dropped off the teacher present, I decorated the living room, I got together some food I'll take to the food bank after they use all their stock for the Christmas rush, I spent time teaching my child that its more about picking something they'll love then spending a ton of money, I knitted, I picked presents no one else will pick, I wrapped with love and precision, and I hid things I bought ahead of time and have launched a search to find them. I also reminded myself and those around my that this time of year is about caring, sharing, love, and appreciation. It's not about what I forgot to do but about those I remembered to call and the happiness on their faces when I got them something they really anted but wouldn't get for themselves, or when they consider how long I spent knitting that scarf just for them and suiting their own personality. What really matters is the feelings behind the season not the shiny lights or stacks of gifts lost in the closet. I hope you can feel a little bit of how I feel this year. I have seen an outpouring of love and feel very spoiled and showered with well wishes, presents I love, and the chance to see the pride they have in doing something so great for me. I know it is the season of giving, but I've been on the receiving end of so many wonderful emotions and precious moments that all the usual activities have fallen behind. Even if I am failing at the act of Christmas I am happy to say Christmas has not failed me, and I've gotten the spirit of the season just right.