If you’re like me, every January you tell yourself you’ll start getting ready for Christmas earlier, only to find yourself scrambling at the beginning of December to get everything done. I know; I’ve done it every year. Something always happens to put you behind; usually illness. At least, that’s the case for me. But this year has been different.
My army son graduates from language school in Monterey, CA, six days before Christmas. We’ll be going up there to watch and celebrate. He and his wife want to host an early Christmas dinner for us, too. After all, he’ll probably be deployed next Christmas.
Because of this timeline, my husband and I decided we need to get our behinds in gear and prepare for Christmas early. With his help, we have. By the Sunday after Thanksgiving, our artificial tree was up and decorated. We usually get a real tree but being gone for five days meant it wouldn’t get watered, so we went artificial this time. It doesn’t bother me too much. I like having my tree up early.
My army son graduates from language school in Monterey, CA, six days before Christmas. We’ll be going up there to watch and celebrate. He and his wife want to host an early Christmas dinner for us, too. After all, he’ll probably be deployed next Christmas.
Because of this timeline, my husband and I decided we need to get our behinds in gear and prepare for Christmas early. With his help, we have. By the Sunday after Thanksgiving, our artificial tree was up and decorated. We usually get a real tree but being gone for five days meant it wouldn’t get watered, so we went artificial this time. It doesn’t bother me too much. I like having my tree up early.
Next, my husband and I had a wrapping marathon over a few days. We pulled out everyone’s presents (yes, we shopped early, too) and began wrapping them. Even the stocking stuffers. This is an amazing feat. I don’t know about you, but my tree usually sits bare underneath until nearly Christmas Eve. Not this year. Now we have beautifully wrapped gifts shimmering beneath it. We were able to take time wrapping, so they look more decorative.
My husband also got our house lights up before December 1. That’s another nearly impossible task. He usually puts it off until the fourteenth of the month. Likewise, with my Christmas village. I love it, but it does take a lot of time and patience. Because I had everything else under control, however, I got it up this week, and can now enjoy looking at it nightly.
All that is left is doing my Christmas cards, and baking. I don’t like writing my cards especially, but I love receiving them, so sit down I must. That’s the plan this week. As for baking, I’m only making gingerbread men, fudge, and my army son’s favorite Bundt cake. None of us needs a pile of sweets to eat, after all.
My husband also got our house lights up before December 1. That’s another nearly impossible task. He usually puts it off until the fourteenth of the month. Likewise, with my Christmas village. I love it, but it does take a lot of time and patience. Because I had everything else under control, however, I got it up this week, and can now enjoy looking at it nightly.
All that is left is doing my Christmas cards, and baking. I don’t like writing my cards especially, but I love receiving them, so sit down I must. That’s the plan this week. As for baking, I’m only making gingerbread men, fudge, and my army son’s favorite Bundt cake. None of us needs a pile of sweets to eat, after all.
There really is something to be said for planning ahead. Some people might think it takes the spontaneity out of the season. I beg to differ. I think, if you plan out the usual activities, that gives you the time to be spontaneous in other aspects. For example, this weekend we went to a church function and dinner. I’ve never done that before. Next week we have a Christmas party to go to. And in between we can look at Christmas lights, or watch fun Christmas shows in front of the fire, without worrying about shopping, wrapping, or decorating.
Yes, I have to say I look forward to this Christmas being the best so far. Is it because we planned? I’d like to think so. I know next year I’ll be trying to do the same thing. Who’s with me?
Have you gotten a jump on your holidays this year, or are you woefully scrambling around? Let me know! And, don’t forget, enjoy the season!
Yes, I have to say I look forward to this Christmas being the best so far. Is it because we planned? I’d like to think so. I know next year I’ll be trying to do the same thing. Who’s with me?
Have you gotten a jump on your holidays this year, or are you woefully scrambling around? Let me know! And, don’t forget, enjoy the season!
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