I had the realization this week that Christmas is less than four weeks away. WHAT?!?! Who did that? Why? This is Thanksgiving’s fault. I know it! Now I get why everyone’s trees and lights were going up so quickly. I’m so behind!
Cue the panic attack!
We always talk about how the holidays creep up on you. Blink, and suddenly it’s Thanksgiving, then Christmas, then New Year’s. Or that time is going faster the older you get (which I absolutely believe to be true now that I qualify as older). And I know the turkey landed on the table later than most years.
However, for some reason, I didn’t clue into how close that fell to Christmas until I looked at the calendar and suddenly realized what has to happen in 3 ½ weeks.
First, the small Christmas tree has to go up again. Otherwise, Lucy will end up taking ornaments off the bigger one or toppling it over while we’re out. Along with the tree, I need to put up assorted stockings, wreaths, and LEGO Christmas sets. If lights end up on the house, that’s just a bonus.
Then there’s the baking. Between James’s hand surgery and work, we are way behind on our annual cookie baking. The mixer and oven will be getting a good workout starting on Sunday. At least the house will smell amazing every night!
I also need to create a Christmas list for James’s mom. Kudos to her for not having asked about it yet—or at least not having asked me. Time to start cruising Amazon to see what I can come up with. Maybe I’ll even sneak in a little retail therapy of my own while I’m at it.
Oh, and I have to send out cards far and wide. My friend Bill somehow manages to send out over 200 cards, including internationally, right after Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, each year, I swear I’m going to be proactive and have cards mailed by December 1st. Okay, maybe the second or third. Or fourth. Let’s just say, if you’re expecting a card from me, I’ll try to get it to you before Christmas Eve. Although last year, one of the cards took a month to arrive—so maybe I can blame the post office again.
Finally, there’s the challenge of figuring out what to get James this year. Jewelry? No. A new car? I’m not Oprah, so no. Another kitchen gadget? Maybe. Just when I think there’s nothing left for the kitchen, Williams Sonoma always pops up with something fun and funky. Then again, I don’t even know where everything we currently own is, so it’s entirely possible we already have it.
Whew!
Spelling that out feels like a lot. But I’m a tree. I can bend. I will calmly go through the next few weeks and get everything done. Either that or have a complete meltdown and hide in Santa’s workshop at the mall. I’ll let you know what I decide.
Happy Holidays!
