Last year, when our little spark went overdue into December, Andrew and I declared that Christmas wouldn't arrive in our house until after our wee one's birthday. So with that, no twinkly light, festive carol, or jolly elf shall grace our home until midnight on December 2nd, when the clocks chime us into the 3rd.
But that doesn't mean I can't shop and plan!
And considering that Christmas started in the stores November 1st, my mind has been whirling about ideas to make this our best holiday yet.
I have always been a bit of a slacker where Christmas organization is concerned. My enthusiasm is always amped for the holiday and I put loads of thought coming up with ideal gifts for all on my list but they don't usually come to fruition until the 20th of December. To be honest, I think Christmas will always be a little rushed for me and I really enjoy the hustle and bustle of the season. Part of the fun of Christmas is feeding off the energy of other hurried shoppers at the mall, don't you agree? Just a little bit?
This year though, I really need to make a concerted effort in getting my ass in gear earlier. Ember's birthday is December 2nd. This means I need to strategize a game plan, purchase gifts for two occasions and ensure that the stockings are hung with care before December 23. (Of course, I may have to wait until Christmas Eve because Ember could yank them down off the mantle.) I realize that Ember is still wee, and this won't be a blip on her radar but for Andrew and I, this is our first real Christmas as a trio.
Last year, Ember was just three weeks old when Santa came to visit. Running out to buy gifts for anyone was tricky. I actually did all of my Christmas shopping December 22nd. Ember was so new that buying presents for her seemed silly and we were content to savour the joys of our new family. I made a full turkey dinner for my family and that was accomplishment enough for me.
Suffice it to say, this Christmas is a big deal for me. I plan on making cookies, carefully choosing gifts, wrapping them all pretty like and starting many traditions as a family.
Are the holidays into full swing in your home already? Are the hiding spots of your house full of special pressies for all on your list? Or, do you thrive on the hustle and bustle of shopping after December 20th? Let me know.
This year though, I really need to make a concerted effort in getting my ass in gear earlier. Ember's birthday is December 2nd. This means I need to strategize a game plan, purchase gifts for two occasions and ensure that the stockings are hung with care before December 23. (Of course, I may have to wait until Christmas Eve because Ember could yank them down off the mantle.) I realize that Ember is still wee, and this won't be a blip on her radar but for Andrew and I, this is our first real Christmas as a trio.
Last year, Ember was just three weeks old when Santa came to visit. Running out to buy gifts for anyone was tricky. I actually did all of my Christmas shopping December 22nd. Ember was so new that buying presents for her seemed silly and we were content to savour the joys of our new family. I made a full turkey dinner for my family and that was accomplishment enough for me.
Suffice it to say, this Christmas is a big deal for me. I plan on making cookies, carefully choosing gifts, wrapping them all pretty like and starting many traditions as a family.
Are the holidays into full swing in your home already? Are the hiding spots of your house full of special pressies for all on your list? Or, do you thrive on the hustle and bustle of shopping after December 20th? Let me know.
Nadda! As soon as I press send on my final assignment I am going to do flips and get it all out! But that won't be till Dec 11th. We do however have plans for getting a tree before then! The girls and I have been watching some Christmas DVD's and we just got some Christmas books from the library. Every little bit helps keep the excitement, but I must keep it contained until after school ends. Total bummer because I am a MAD Christmas lover!
ReplyDeleteGood for you for exercising such restraint, and focus!
ReplyDeleteIt's very important to us that Ember's birthday be the focus, not Christmas with a splash of Ember's birthday. And, I've never felt like I was in a hurry to decorate for Christmas however this year, I am chomping at the bit! Classic huh? We always want what we can't have. :o)
Finally a kindred spirit! I DO thrive on the histle and bustle of shopping after December 20th! Everyone looks at my like I'm a madwoman when I say so, but it's just part of the Christmas experience for me. You will almost always find me at west ed on the Saturday before Christmas- I do all my shopping in one day, from start to finish and I LOVE it.
ReplyDeleteI really love it, too. Not just for the buzz of it all but there is some wicked people watching out there. Years ago, Andrew and I started going to Walmart on the 23rd after midnight and my gawd, it's comical.
ReplyDeletePerhaps I'll bump into you at West Ed in the days before Christmas! :o)