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!
Let's think ahead, plan ahead, and do ahead this year. Join me?
Laura
Happy at Home
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Laura
Happy at Home
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Art of Homemaking Mondays Tuesdays at Our Home Titus 2 Tuesdays - Tuesdays with a Twist
Homestead Blog Hop Christian Blogger Link Up Raising Homemakers - A Wise Woman Builds Her Home Home and Garden Thursday - Share Your Cup Thursday - Create it Thursday Imparting Grace - Sitting Among Friends - No Rules Weekend Blog Party Homemaking Party
Laura, this is a favourite topic of mine! I'll join you for sure! Mimi xxx
ReplyDeleteLaura, 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.
ReplyDeleteThe 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.
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~
DeleteGreat 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
ReplyDeleteI 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.
DeleteBe blessed,
Laura
I really have pared down Christmas, I give gift cards and homemade little things I have made myself. I refuse to get stressed ;o)
ReplyDeleteHugs, Roxy
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~
DeleteHave 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
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....
ReplyDeleteit 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
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.
Deletesigh
Have a good week!
Laura
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. :)
ReplyDeleteOh Debbie,
DeleteI 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
I'm starting my Christmas shopping this week! Haha. Avoiding Christmas stress for real this time.
ReplyDeleteYeah, 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. :)
ReplyDeleteOne never knows unless one tries Ramona. ~grin~
DeleteLaura, 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.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great class. I've got Christmas Prep Parties on Oct 25 and Nov 25.
DeleteI love preplanning for the holidays!
ReplyDeleteIt makes it less stressful for me. I'll be over for a visit in a few minutes.
DeleteLaura
Christmas is the MOST stressful time of the year for me. Love this reminder to start now! :-)
ReplyDeleteStick around, Heidi. I hope to help!
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
Dear Jann,
DeleteI 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?