Christmas Panic Setting In...

It's Monday morning BEFORE Thanksgiving and as usual, my Christmas panic is setting in. So many things on my mind about what needs to be done and so many thoughts about what could have already been done. What shopping or gift cards I could of bought during the year, what projects on Pinterest I could have actually made already, the cookie dough I could of made and put in the freezer...and the list goes on. Although I think about Christmas all year long, some years I definitely get more prep done then others. So let me think hypothetically. If I could be prepared and life was perfect, what WOULD I have done already.

1. The gifts purchased so far, would all be in boxes, numbered and ready to wrap.
2. The gifts for my employees would be purchased for the year.
3. I'd have a nice stack of gift cards waiting in my drawer, after budgeting for them throughout the year.
4. I'd be pulling a nice sum of cash out of our Christmas Savings account.
5. I'd have have at least 15 freezer meals prepped and ready to go for those busy days in December.
6. I'd have 3 different cookie doughs premade and in the freezer.
7. I'd have my dessert choices finalized for the month ahead, so I can makes sure I have all the ingredients.
8. I'd have my advent swap gifts all purchased, wrapped and ready to go.
9. I'd have an idea at least, as to what I am going to buy everyone this year.
10. I'd have my carpets cleaned already.
11. I'd have my nice dishes washed already.
 

So, there's just part of my list. I'm sure if I thought hard enough, I could go on and on. HOWEVER, I'll stop there and let reality analyze this situation. Some years, I'm able to purchase more gifts then others and this year happens to be one of those years I won't be purchasing as many as I'd like. With that said, I wish I had made more gifts, but then I remind myself that this year my priority was getting Ciara off to college. The time, just wasn't there and no amount of pondering is going to change that. 

Next, saving Christmas money. Well, in order to save Christmas money, you have to have extra money and let's just say...It's been one of those years around here and the bank account just isn't as Plump as Santa's belly! But as always, I'm thankful for a roof over our head and food on the table. Really, in this day and age, it's so much more then many have and I remind myself of that everyday. On the plus side, I'd say at least half of the gifts I do have are boxed like I like them and ready to wrap. If i could have it my way, all my gifts would be boxed. It's one of those "things" I prefer, but have learned to "let go" the last couple years. Somehow, I don't think anyone is going to turn away that new shirt I bought them, because it's not in a box. In my case, they might celebrate, because they say I use to my tape on my boxes anyway.

I don't have freezer meals prepped this year, but I just spent a hunka...hunka..money at Costco to stock the fridge and make sure we have food to cover the month ahead. If I follow a weekly menu and just think ahead, I'll be set and my trips to the grocery store will be limited. Avoiding the cost of eating out during the busy month is ultimately my goal and having food already purchased helps with that stupendously.

As far as baking goes, I just need to breath and remind myself....baking is a time to enjoy, not a time to stress. In reality, I'm not a cookie maker. I don't have the patience to be a cookie maker. Now, I bake cookies, but on a limited basis during the holidays. I'd much rather make a cheesecake or try a new bundt cake recipe. So know that you will NEVER receive a plate full of cookies from Michelle. It's just not going to happen...that's what cookie swaps are for!

I'll finish with my house. My house, is a 10 year "project" waiting to happen. However, somehow we still celebrate Birthdays, Easter, St. Patrick's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas just fine. Would I love to have a completed bathroom...absolutely!  In the mean time, I'll keep inviting those I love and care about, over to create memories. And I'll probably still be running around all day long, washing dishes, cooking and setting a nice table at the last minute.

All of the above, covers the materialistic portion of the holiday. Although, it's not the "reason for the season", it's all things that we invision will make the holiday season run smoother. Regardless of what I have planned, regardless of what I woulda or coulda done, Christmas is coming!!!  The lights, the music, family, laughter, memories, comfort, compassion, and giving. For each of us, Christmas will arrive at a different time this year. Keep your hearts open!

My Word of the Year: Rejuvenate!

Rejuvenate: "To Bring New Life To"

For the past 3 years, rather then choose a New Year's resolution, I've chose a word of the year. Last year, my word was "Resolve". The year before that "ME". Both took some thought, but were easy compared to my decision this year. For several weeks, I've pondered and just couldn't think of the right word. Some of my friends have serious words and other online buddies chose fun words like "Rainbows" and "Bubbles". With a little explaining, what appeared to be fun on the outside, actually had some deep, rooted meaning. 

This past year has brought trials for many around me. Trials can be like a double edge sword. Some make you stronger, but some break you down piece by piece. Those small dents aren't all noticeable at once, but over time you become worn and a little neglected. That's when you need to step back, take notice and make time to REJUVENATE.

When I think of the word REJUVENATE, it goes far beyond mental and physical needs. I have relationships that need to be rejuvenated, my home needs to be rejuvenated, my career path needs to be rejuvenated, my hobbies need to be rejuvenated and most importantly my faith needs to be rejuvenated.

I've been enlightened by my word now for 24hours. The first step in taking action is to sit down and take notice. Have you done that recently? If not, I encourage you to take all the time you need to pick your "Word of the Year" and then Take Action!

A New Year Ahead!!

As much as I hate to see December and Christmas go, I do love the new clean slate that the New Year brings. I don't know that I have an actual Resolution, but I do take the time to sit down and evaluate things in my life. Taking the time to write down my concerns, my goals, my wish list and my To-Do list are absolutely necessary. I strive to do these things all year long, however come November and December they seem to be put aside and life goes into survival mode.

I also try and pick a WORD of the year to focus on. In the past years I've chosen "ME" and "Resolve". This year, I haven't come across or been able to think of the perfect word yet. It's more like, I'm still focusing on what exactly I want my year ahead to look like. 

In the mean time, I always refer back to Benjamin Franklin and his Governing Values. In his 20's after struggling with both family, failing in business and becoming a single parent,  he sat down to write a list of values and virtues he would focus on daily. It amazes me, how this list is still so pertinent today.  Since discovering this list, I still find it very ironic how it mimics my moral and religious choices.

I do suggest you take the time to evaluate these areas in your life.  Even taking the time, to mentally note which you will work on during a weeks time, will make a difference and make you just a wee bit more aware of what's going on around you and with your choices.

Temperance: Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.

Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation. 

Order: Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time. 

Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve. 

Frugality: Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.

Industry: Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions. 

Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.

Justice: Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty. 

Moderation: Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.

Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation. 

Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable. 

Chastity: Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.

Humility: Emulate Christ and Socrates in all things.