Sunday, September 25, 2016

Avoiding Christmas Stress

I find that after December 1st, we're too busy or rushed to really think out the preparations. That's when things just happen. I know there have been years when I feel so stressed by the time mid-December hits, it's difficult to enjoy the season.
Not this year!

22 comments:

  1. Laura, this is a favourite topic of mine! I'll join you for sure! Mimi xxx

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  2. Laura, when I was a poor, single 20 something, I worked 3 jobs, one for a men's college basketball team. That meant the season started in late November and I was usually on an airplane on thanksgiving night. So, my Christmas shopping needed to be done by Halloween so I had 3 wks. to wrap before crazy season started. Unbelievably, in the 7 yrs I kept that schedule, I never missed that goal. And I always boarded that Thanksgiving flight with all my cards, stamps, and pre-addressed envelopes. During the flight, I would write out all my cards and mail them from our destination airport. And then I was officially done. At that point, I sat back(not literally, I ran a lot lol) and sucked in the best part of Christmas. Peacefully.

    The reason for telling you all that? I'm now a homemaker without children and I am always running around like a loon all of December and now dread it. That's just sad to me!!!!! Yes, I am with you. I won't have it done by Halloween, but my goal for this year is December 1st.

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    1. Debby, it's amazing what we do when we have to do it. Then, when we don't, we cannot seem to make ourselves do it! I think Paul wrote about something like that in Romans 7. ~grin~

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  3. Great ideas. I'm not even thinking about Christmas yet. I have bought a few decorations, but with Ds's birthday in 5 days (his party Oct 8) and two big holidays still to come before it, it's just too soon. lol

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    1. I know I'm early. I just finished birthday season here. I just want to do a few things early and plan so that, hopefully, I'll be done with just about everything by December 1.

      Be blessed,
      Laura

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  4. I really have pared down Christmas, I give gift cards and homemade little things I have made myself. I refuse to get stressed ;o)
    Hugs, Roxy

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    1. I've pared down a bit nearly every year. Our budget is usually very low. I miss the days of making doll dresses for the girls. I'm not sure yet what I'm going to do. My kids are 15-25 and not so easy to make for now. ~grin~

      Have a wonderful week my friend! Are you seeing any color on the trees yet? I've got one tree that changes about 3-4 weeks earlier than the rest. It's fully changed now. The weather is supposed to be a little cooler this week, so I hope to feel more fallish. Is that a word?

      Your friend,
      Laura

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  5. Laura, let me tell you what hubby did, hubby goes, "Walmart has Christmas trees out...and I really don't want to mess with a real one this year, again."..so, the next thing I know, there is a mammoth tree, in a box, in my sitting room. Sigh....

    it did cause me to giggle and question his sanity, its only Sept for petes sake. Hope this made you smile and giggle as well. smiles

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    1. That is funny Linda. I hope he got a good deal. I haven't had a real tree in so long, I don't think any of my little kiddles remember one. (15-19 yrs) I wish my husband would let me get one, but he says we can't because of the wood stove.
      sigh
      Have a good week!
      Laura

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  6. I'll join you Laura! :) I already have many of my gifts bought or made and the cards were bought on clearance so I am pretty well set except for a few last minute items. :) I do need to get my dad and one of my brother's gifts bought before they come for a visit next month. I already have my mom's gift ready. I want to send all the wrapped gifts home with them to save on shipping costs. :)

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    1. ​Oh Debbie,
      I AM impressed! I'm just getting started. There's still plenty of time. I do want to get as much as possible done before December 1. Let's encourage each other! I'll be over for a blog visit in a few minutes.
      God bless you.
      Laura​

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  7. I'm starting my Christmas shopping this week! Haha. Avoiding Christmas stress for real this time.

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  8. Yeah, right. I tell myself that every single year. It doesn't work. lol But... I will try harder this year to finish stuff early, so I can actually enjoy it. :)

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  9. Laura, I am with you!! I'll be teaching a class "Be Present at Christmas" which an advent preparation class based on Ann Voskamp book The Greatest Gift. I have 8 people signed up whom I hope will enjoy Christmas knowing that Jesus is the Gift. Sylvia D.

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    1. Sounds like a great class. I've got Christmas Prep Parties on Oct 25 and Nov 25.

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  10. I love preplanning for the holidays!

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    1. It makes it less stressful for me. I'll be over for a visit in a few minutes.
      Laura

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  11. Christmas is the MOST stressful time of the year for me. Love this reminder to start now! :-)

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  12. I like to be ready so that I can just enjoy the spirit of the holiday. Although I do have a baking day with my girls closet to Christmas. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Dear Jann,

      I want to do that every year. This year I'm going to do my best to be done—or close to it by December 1. That way I can enjoy candy or cookie baking, too!
      Blessings,
      Laura

      P.S. What is your favorite color?

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