The holidays are near-er.
No. 68 Ten days left to do everything - or nothing!
Good morning,
Pepper is currently running around the kitchen squeaking Ray (the Sting Ray), Seth is deep-cleaning the espresso machine (it’s overdue), and I am sitting with the sun covering half of my keys as I try to put into words the mix of feelings and attitude that comes with just ten days left until all of the holidays. I saw that there are some new subscribers in these parts - a hearty welcome to you! - so my tentative plan to punt until next week went entirely out the window. Holiday season cheer is here for all. Are you ready? I’m… almost there.
In big news, I did manage to order our holiday cards with just enough time to spare so that they will hopefully arrive next week and they will go into the mail shortly afterward. I know that a post-Christmas mailing isn’t a “problem” for anyone, but I strongly feel that the hustle and bustle should firmly live on the before-Christmas side of December.
After Christmas, I like to live in the delightful joy and wonderment of the days in between where schedules don’t exist, stress plummets (usually), and all I need to decide is what, if any, plans may exist for New Year’s Eve. Since we rarely have plans for that evening anyway, there is a big chance that won’t change for this year. ;)
So for the next ten days, work is still spinning (a lot to do), holiday prep is still prepping (I’m not done shopping), and I’m trying to be festive! Anyone out there having a holiday party? We are great guests and would love to attend. However, my fear is that the only way we’ll be amidst a holiday party that’s at the caliber of my imagination…is to host it ourselves.
Imagine this, if you will: a late-1990s holiday soiree with tables upon tables of food, cocktails being passed around, people crowding every doorway, holiday music (the good kind) on full blast, and plenty of sweets to take home for snacking once your shoes are off. Everyone is wearing their most festive attire, a lot of sparkles, and velvet, and chic-but-useless evening bags. Wait. Maybe I’m thinking of a New Year’s Eve party? Ha. I’m swirling my soirees. That final party scene from When Harry Met Sally gets me every time. ;)
So perhaps my dazzling holiday dreams are literally in the movies (aren’t they always?), and that is completely OK. I’m honestly not sure I have the wherewithal to throw a bash before the new year anyway. Speaking of stressful! I tend to go overboard with plans and would end up renting out an entire restaurant or something and inviting everyone I’ve ever met and getting a band and it would be quite a (very fun) scene. Goals for the future, right? ;)
Side note: maybe that’s why folks have December weddings? So that they have a big, sparkly bash during the most festive time of the year. Good thinking! Our wedding was in July, which was a beautiful time for a celebration, but there wasn’t a velvet, or sparkly, party dress in sight. I’m going way off topic so I’ll try to steer this ship back on course… our wedding details will have to wait. Sorry!
If the thought of rushing around to finish all of the holiday items before December 25 makes your head spin or your to-do list is actually short and complete, then you are not alone. The hardest part of this month is finding balance between everything we’re told we should be doing with that list of things you actually want to do. We are fed a constant, incessant stream of gift guides, sales to see, and all of the other “musts” of the season, when in reality, you can do whatever you please!
I have been deleting 99% of those sale emails, shopping with purpose as much as possible, and recognizing that slowing down isn’t a crime in December. The year has been jam-packed (beyond that, really) and despite my usual desire to go-go-go, sometimes I just cannot. I hope you are able to recognize that as well - doing ‘the most’ isn’t the only way to enjoy this time of year. Trust me, we are not doing the most, or the least, but perhaps a blend of both, which I would call balance. Is it possible? Stay tuned.
Speaking of balance, I do want to share a handful of gift ideas, in case you’re still, like me, out there shopping. I love and loathe online shopping. It’s so useful and convenient and yet I prefer walking into stores, looking around, and finding the gift! Is that old-fashioned? Maybe. Is it incredibly satisfying and my-most-necessary activity of the season? Always. Sure, it can get stressful finding something ‘perfect’ for those you care about most, but let’s drop the ‘perfect’ shall we? It’s the thought that counts! And when in doubt, a gift card does wonders. ;)
I will be sharing two more rounds of gift ideas before Christmas (today’s list and one next week) because even I have (sometimes) completed my shopping on the 24th. There’s a fun/fearful panic about shopping on Christmas Eve. I kind of love it? Anyway, in case you need to do that, I’ll be back here next week, too, to help you out. :)
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