Holiday Mix Up

Our holiday routine this year is coming a little out of order. Most years, I like to have all of my shopping done by Thanksgiving, the decorating done the week after and the wrapping starts soon after. This year because of my last minute conference and since I was already behind the ball, I didn't even start my shopping until the week of Thanksgiving.

We are lucky enough to be able to celebrate the holidays with both of our extended families and our immediate families. Normally we extend the celebrations over a few days and do a bit of running around but there is always lots of hugs and laughter through-out the week of Christmas. This year, because we have relatives traveling on both sides we decided to start the celebrations a bit early. We'll be starting with Christmas Part I for my immediate family this Saturday, and Christmas with both his extended and immediate family this Sunday.

Since I was behind on my shopping and the parties are being held earlier this year, things will be done a bit out of order. I finally said to Johnny last weekend, ' There is just no way we can do the tree with everything else'. I've spent every night for the last 2 weeks shopping, wrapping, crafting and baking, and decorating just couldn't be squeezed in. I've felt just so out of whack. I typically love wrapping while I watch Christmas movies and crafting while I listen to some of my favorite holiday songs. This year I completed all of my tasks at a faster pace, and while everything is completed I don't feel ready for the season yet. Johnny and I decided that this week after round 1 of the holiday parties we would finally get our tree. With nothing else left on my to-do list, I realize that now I can take my time decorating. I can watch my favorite holiday movies over a cup of tea instead of piles of wrapping and my favorite Christmas songs can be enjoyed while I dance around the house lite only by the tree, instead of while I bake with fury. The first few weeks have been a rush to get to the start of the season, but the next few will be a relaxing stroll to the end.