OFF TOPIC So - who's ready for the holidays

Usually, I am done by this time, but I've barely started. . . Sister's needlepoint is done. A couple of things bought for A. DS is almost impossible.

linda

Fairly close - we are only doing stockings this year, so all the presents are small enough to fit. And because there are 8 stockings, all the presents are also relatively low cost (it still adds up). The DH and I went and did our shopping for us yesterday - mainly books, dvds and cds. No surprises.

I've got most of the decorating done, but have to put up the tree this weekend.

Got the last of my cards mailed yesterday. Actually remembered to get the Hanukah cards in the mail last week to get them there before the holiday started. The Christmas cards for overseas got mailed late, but still hopefully in time.

Have to do a little baking for a choir party next week and that's about it.

We are going to a ski chalet with my DS, DSIL, the nieces and nephews for the 24th to the 26th. We are going to go out for Christmas dinner, and do the rest of our meals pot luck style. Should be fun. This is the first time we haven't been at home or at a relatives.

MargW

"Cheryl Isaak" wrote

I think DD and I may agree to be Russian and celebrate Little Christmas. I have had the flu for close to 3 weeks--am only now 85% human again--and have not had the energy to do anything except work and sleep. So there has been no decorating, no baking, and no shopping. Just couldn't.

I am working almost nothing but nights. As well, this week I had to replace the tires on my car after a flat in minus 40C weather, and DD had to replace her furnace after it quit in the same cold snap. She also needs tires. And I get to work Boxing Day which leaves me Christmas Eve and Christmas day off only.

Not that it is gloomy--Christmas Eve will still have the most beautiful church service of the year, and Christmas Day in the morning will find me as it has for over 20 years administering communion and reading my favourite gospel passage. Not many churches still do this service, but being able to receive Christmas communion at that time is a blessing for travellers, and, increasingly, for those older people who find going out at night difficult.

But all in all, I think it best not even to jump into the frenzy at this point, and to celebrate the family part of Christmas when I am rested, recovered and able to enjoy it instead of seeing it as an enormous to do list. We have done this once or twice in the past, and it is much better.

Dawne

Makes good sense - I do hope you feel better very soon.

Cheryl Isaak wrote:

Am I the only one left who spells this holiday Chanukkah?? I had a total panic attack this AM while sorting all the Christmas gifts! I have had all of my major holiday shopping finished for a month or so. I got a bunch of little stuff and a few *extra* major things when we were at Pigeon Forge. So -- this morning I needed to get stuff together to fill a box and mail it to DD so that the SMDGD would have her "casual" holiday outfit. I get everything sorted (it all gets heaped in a jumble on the guest room bed during the year) and realize I only have ONE gift for Marsha (one of my best friends) and her b-day is tomorrow and that means there is NO Christmas gifts!!! I haven't been that panicked in ages, thinking I will have to go out and do **serious** shopping two weeks before the Big Day!!! While I was working out (I go to Curves) I started thinking and seemed to remember buying a bunch of holiday bear stuff for her (she's a bear collector) in January when stuff went on sale. I got home and looked in one of the big paper bags that had snowman stuff on top. Lo and behold, a miracle happened right before my tired eyes and there was ALL the bear stuff I had bought :-). There were two bear xs kits, three bear charts, doggie coasters (she dog sits for people and has been a vet tech at a greyhound track), doggie note cards, a huge pitcher in the shape of a victorian house (she collects those too) and a needlework magnet! I was so thrilled I had to call Valerie (the other friend -- we all hang out together) and tell her about my panic attack and we had a great laugh. So now I get to wrap all this stuff. And I didn't send all the stuff to the SMDGD I had planned. I got the box full and realized I had only half the stuff in there and it was going to cost at least $25 to mail and I would have to send a second box....... Bottom line is I sent her 2 pr of new shoes and her Christmas outfit (pants & vest in lamb fabric w/Christmas trees & Star of Bethlehem) packed in a small box that cost only $8.50 to mail. Everything else will get packed in a suitcase and DH can pay the $15 for the extra luggage :-). Loads cheaper than mailing. Last year I mailed several boxes and it cost over $50. Once we got to the airport, we realized that it would be a lot cheaper to just take that 3rd suitcase and be done with it! Now I can go work on a few last minute sewing gifts that are just "extras". No pressure -- thank heavens :-)))). CiaoMeow >^;;^<

PAX, Tia Mary >^;;^< (RCTQ Queen of Kitties) Angels can't show their wings on earth but nothing was ever said about their whiskers! Visit my Photo albums at

Dawne -

I think we're sharing a life. I'm *still* dealing with cough and lack of stamina/vocal issues four weeks into this cold. And haven't done a lick of anything for Christmas except for two online orders and a few ornaments. And stresses of unexpected expenses (water heater, medical) that have zapped the budget. Time/energy/ideas all at a low this year.

But, like you, I treasure that Christmas morning service at our church and know that I'll find whatever I need there -- the rest is just gravy.

(Though, that said, tomorrow I'm going to the Christmas Revels in Washington, D.C., and that may energize me.)

Sue

No - but my spell checker keeps insisting on the other spelling even when I "save spelling"

Hurrah!

Time for my nap,

Cheryl

Happy Hannukah, Cheryl! I was going to get latke fixings yesterday, but had to deal with a very flat and unrepairable tire which messed up my whole schedule. Dec. is giftarama for DS. 12/4 was his birthday (ack, I'm the mother of a teenager!), Hannukah is early, and then there's Xmas (dh isn't MOT). The rink seems intent on giving away all of the In House ice time (insert rant here) so I don't have to go down there too much, but I still have to find 6 more small gifts. May end up repurposing a few things that were earmarked for Xmas. Whatever.

Sure hope you get your family dinner! With maybe a gin and tonicka, although it's really too cold..

Sara

Way to cold for G&T's. Scotch or a nice red works much better.

It's nuts here too - DH's birthday is this month too.

I'm thinking of telling DH just get me something little and leave it be. The kids both needed lots of new clothes and sneakers and boots this month and some new, larger hockey gear is required for DD. (boy is she stretching out)

Congrats on the teenagers. It does add a certain fillip to life!

Cheryl

Off to iron DD's shirt of her chorus concert today

Don't feel bad today is 11 days BEFORE Christmas, and I just bought the Holiday cards. Have bought no presents, and no decorations. Was so involved in an RV event , and didn't have time or really ambition.

My very DDIL called to ask if she and DS could come down if we were doing nothing. What could I say??? I love her dearly.

So.............. tomorrow, I start to shop.

Wed the new cleaning lady blitzes the place for her first time visit, while I sit at my desk and do cards, and write and print the annual Xmas newsletter, which they all love, and I hate.In between, I aNSWER HER QUESTIONS.

. Thursday, I put up the tree and decorations (wasn't going to bother). Friday, buy gift cards for Grandkids.

One family, girls 13 & 15 love Victorias Secret! Grandpa had a fit. American eagle or Best Buy for them.

Weekend, buy crap, to put giftcards in; finish the fringe for two Xmas sparkly scarves for the MD GDs, and attach cards to them. Start worrying about us..., Mike & Aya, food etc.

Dec 28th or so...enter the insane loonybin

Gill .

I'm in the same boat, Gill! I've bought 1 (one!) stocking stuffer and that's it. No tree, yet, just barely started the Christmas goodies. Made orange divinity on Sunday and will be making baklava tonight, after a stop at the grocery store, some of which will be gifted. I may have to make 2! I'm hoping we'll get a tree so I can decorate this weekend.

Thanks for reminding me about the Christmas letter...maybe I can work on that tonight while the baklava's in the oven.

Just yesterday DH *finally* got his work schedule for the rest of the month, so now I at least know *where* I will be for C'mas (at home, rather than travelling to St.Paul).

Can I join you???

Joan

Sure....we can have stitching, chocolate and act crazy.

Whoa, just remembered; if we are in there we definitely are crazy. Therefore crazy would be acting normal.

Gill

I'd join you, but I just signed up to work the week after Christmas and I start jury duty the first week of January.

Joan E. wrote: > Made orange divinity

Recipe?

Well we nearly finished the decorating got the tree up two days ago, but don't have a single gift bought. And I work in retail so I see how fast the goods are disappearing from the shelves.

Maureen

Either way would be fine with me, as long as I'm with friends!!!! :)

Joan

Will try to remember to get it to you tonight when I get home. I like flavored divinity...I dislike the white stuff!

Joan

Amen sister