Catching Up With Christmas (Am I the Only One Not Ready?)

The first week of December and the tree is up and decorated (Thank you, Felty Tribe)! Sara has the house decorated all Christmassy and I came home on Monday to Christmas lights hung up outside – “Husband of the Year Award” to Andy!

I’ve started buying Christmas cookie ingredients for the endless cookie exchange and Christmas parties of the season. (Sideline curiosity: Why don’t we just make a ton of extra cookies to freeze for next year’s parties and add a little extra vanilla so no one notices the freezer-burn taste?)

Yikes! I’m Not Ready Yet!

The wrapping paper, clear tape, and gift tags have all been purchased but…I haven’t bought a single Christmas present yet! I’m never this disorganized or behind my game! Why am I so distracted this year?

I did start making miniature knit Christmas ornaments last month though. Aren’t they adorable?

(Click on the photo for the pattern to make one yourself!)

Over the years, I’ve given most everyone I know a little sweater ornament. They’re probably sighing with relief that I have not attempted to knit life-size ones like our grandmas used to do and we all hated.

I started making my personal Christmas Wish List on Amazon weeks ago and have already shared it with my husband. See how thoughtful I am?

Everyone Else Seems So Prepared

At work, my coworkers and I have stockings hung and a party planned for our students. Teachers are already popping in Christmas movies during downtime in class and frantically decorating their classroom doors for the Christmas Door Decorating contest next week. (Grand prize is a hot chocolate party for their class.)

So, what’s my deal? Am I starting to be a female Christmas Scrooge after all these years or has all the wind gone out of my sails because most of my adult kids have drifted farther from home and it’s not as much fun at my house the month of December?

It really is time to pull myself together. I wholeheartedly support that Christmas isn’t about presents as much as it is being present for those we love. And that giving of ourselves physically and emotionally takes full precedence over tangible gifts like monogrammed Louis Vuitton handbags or the latest Apple watch. Right?

Liar… Reality check.

Who has a Christmas tree with no presents? We want and, basically, expect presents, right? (You know I speak for the masses – no judging.)

Oh, I have the gift lists all written. I mean, organization is one of my passions even if I am being a  little sluggish about initiating the process. Since I hate crowds this time of year and dodging carts and sifting through sale bins makes me hyperventilate and my palms sweat, I shop online. “Thank you, Mr. Internet.”

Amazon To the Rescue

There’s a calming, tranquil feeling you get when you sit in front of a computer screen with a hot coffee and cinnamon roll within reach and shop. So simple: browse, add to cart, and purchase gifts in less than an hour. Even better (smiling!), Amazon Prime will drop them on my doorstep in 2-3 days!Sure, I have to brush aside the concerns that my neighbors think I’m running an underground black market scam at my house or that all my empty boxes will end up in their trash bins because mine is full, but, hey, I see boxes on their porches too.

Gotta go! I’ve spent precious time typing this blog post when I have some shopping to do!

Merry “Almost” Christmas everyone!