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busymomonli
Resident Insomniac
Member since 4/13 2052 total posts
Name:
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Christmas merriment
Maybe its me, but I do not enjoy these holidays anymore. It just feels like rush, rush, rush right up until the last minute. I see people posting on facebook making like 6 dozen assorted cookies and homemade eggnog, doing holiday photo shoots with matching outfits. Where the heck do they find the time? I am literally so exhausted after work that I cannot even think about it. And the weekends are filled with chores and laundry and shopping. This weekend will be rushing around getting last minute gifts, food for Christmas eve/day, wrapping all the stuff hurriedly.
I don't know. I've lost my Christmas cheer. How do I get it back?
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Posted 12/20/17 7:42 AM  |
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PitterPatter11
Baby Boy is Here!
Member since 5/11 7632 total posts
Name:
Momma <3
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Christmas merriment
I think social media plays a large part in your feelings. Remember that the pictures you see online are just the perfect moments in people's days. Their situations might also be different. Maybe they have a cleaning lady, they eat out a lot, they have people to help them out with the kids, they stay home so they can run errands during the week.
I have decided that I don't need to keep up with what I see on social media and realize that social media is a highlight reel of their day/life. It probably took a person 15 pictures to get a good one. Their kid probably had a tantrum 5 seconds before they were going to leave because they didn't want to wear shoes. Their house probably has unfolded laundry and dishes to be washed just like yours. People just prioritize differently.
Message edited 12/20/2017 7:54:16 AM.
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| Posted 12/20/17 7:52 AM |
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SusiBee
. . . . .
Member since 3/09 8268 total posts
Name:
S
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Re: Christmas merriment
I feel too, that everything is rush-rush-rush.
I haven't taken the time to enjoy the lights, I used to enjoy shopping in the city and looking at the store windows - but that's too crowded for me to feel comfortable. Never mind going to look at the tree, it's the same thing every year and sooooo crowded, so why bother.
I take Friday's off from the week before Thanksgiving up thru Christmas, and I still don't feel like I have enough time to enjoy the holidays.
I haven't baked any of my holiday cookies to give away, so Friday and Saturday will be baking marathons.
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| Posted 12/20/17 8:04 AM |
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PearlJamChick
No one sings like you anymore.
Member since 7/10 9264 total posts
Name:
Petticoated Swashbuckler
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Re: Christmas merriment
I think one way you could get the spirit back would be to plan differently next year. Use Amazon for a lot of shopping so you don't deal with the stores, saving you time. Shop early and wrap things well in advance if you can. Do Peapod for grocery delivery instead of spending an hour in the supermarket on a weekend. And one thing that could really help, if you're able to do so, would be to schedule a day off here and there during December. Take a Friday or Monday off, giving yourself an extra day to get things done but also buying you some time to bake cookies or attend a special Christmas event.
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| Posted 12/20/17 8:38 AM |
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Momma2015
Mommax2
Member since 12/12 6656 total posts
Name:
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Re: Christmas merriment
Posted by PearlJamChick
I think one way you could get the spirit back would be to plan differently next year. Use Amazon for a lot of shopping so you don't deal with the stores, saving you time. Shop early and wrap things well in advance if you can. Do Peapod for grocery delivery instead of spending an hour in the supermarket on a weekend. And one thing that could really help, if you're able to do so, would be to schedule a day off here and there during December. Take a Friday or Monday off, giving yourself an extra day to get things done but also buying you some time to bake cookies or attend a special Christmas event.
Totally agree- I started making lists in the summer and started shopping in September. I buy so much on Amazon and it actually is cheaper. I always price compare, use Ebates, coupons, etc. I'm almost completely done with wrapping as of 2 weeks ago. The weekends are still busy, but I'm still not as stressed as I have been in the past. Hope you find your Christmas spirit! 
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| Posted 12/20/17 8:42 AM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15660 total posts
Name:
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Christmas merriment
Other people manage time differently, have different priorities, etc. That doesn't mean one is better than the other though. I'm home all day, so I have a lot of time to get things done, and I STILL have laundry to fold every single day (hate laundry). But, that doesn't mean I can't take pics of my kids, bake cookies, do fun Christmas things, etc. I prefer to do "fun and happy" things, over mundane chores 
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| Posted 12/20/17 8:43 AM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15660 total posts
Name:
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Christmas merriment
Oh, and I agree with Amazon! I did 99% of my shopping on Amazon! SO easy! I don't wrap my kid's gifts from Santa. They all go in these big Santa sacks I have and re-use each year. That cuts down A LOT!
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| Posted 12/20/17 8:44 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Christmas merriment
It's funny because no matter how early I start and I use Amazon or other online for I'd say 98% of my shopping, I always seem to be running around last minute for things like gift cards, the oh crap I forgot I need to get something for the girl's who work for me stuff, and the dreaded stocking stuffers.
And I don't wrap until Xmas eve usually. And maybe bake some cookies on xmas eve too.
I am glad to have a full weekend in front of Xmas this year so I can get more shit done.
I've just accepted that i will never be truly done early no matter how early I start and how well I plan,.
I'ts just like a rule of the season for me!
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| Posted 12/20/17 8:51 AM |
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busymomonli
Resident Insomniac
Member since 4/13 2052 total posts
Name:
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Re: Christmas merriment
Posted by NervousNell
It's funny because no matter how early I start and I use Amazon or other online for I'd say 98% of my shopping, I always seem to be running around last minute for things like gift cards, the oh crap I forgot I need to get something for the girl's who work for me stuff, and the dreaded stocking stuffers.
And I don't wrap until Xmas eve usually. And maybe bake some cookies on xmas eve too.
I am glad to have a full weekend in front of Xmas this year so I can get more shit done.
I've just accepted that i will never be truly done early no matter how early I start and how well I plan,.
I'ts just like a rule of the season for me!
Exactly how I feel. I usually start around thanksgiving and order mostly online, but still feel like I am running around all the time forgetting this person and the mailman's card and the religion teacher and whoever. This year has been an added stress because my daughter is looking at colleges and filling out applications and all that craziness. I do need to start earlier next year, and I think that would help.
Thanks everyone for the tips. For this year, at least, I'll be relieved when its over.
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| Posted 12/20/17 9:28 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Christmas merriment
Posted by busymomonli
Posted by NervousNell
It's funny because no matter how early I start and I use Amazon or other online for I'd say 98% of my shopping, I always seem to be running around last minute for things like gift cards, the oh crap I forgot I need to get something for the girl's who work for me stuff, and the dreaded stocking stuffers.
And I don't wrap until Xmas eve usually. And maybe bake some cookies on xmas eve too.
I am glad to have a full weekend in front of Xmas this year so I can get more shit done.
I've just accepted that i will never be truly done early no matter how early I start and how well I plan,.
I'ts just like a rule of the season for me!
Exactly how I feel. I usually start around thanksgiving and order mostly online, but still feel like I am running around all the time forgetting this person and the mailman's card and the religion teacher and whoever. This year has been an added stress because my daughter is looking at colleges and filling out applications and all that craziness. I do need to start earlier next year, and I think that would help.
Thanks everyone for the tips. For this year, at least, I'll be relieved when its over.
I have been thinking the past few days that I need to make a master list and save it on my computer.
A list of all the people I need to buy for so I don't just randomly remember the day before religion ends for Christmas break that I need to run out and get the religion teacher a gift card of the bus driver a money holder card.
Maybe if I had a list like that i could refer to it early each year and not be so rushed and forgetting stuff until the last second.
Might help you too....
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| Posted 12/20/17 9:35 AM |
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busymomonli
Resident Insomniac
Member since 4/13 2052 total posts
Name:
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Christmas merriment
I'm sure that would totally help and every year I say that I'm going to do it, but then when Christmas over I don't want to revisit it in my mind. lol.
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| Posted 12/20/17 9:57 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Christmas merriment
Posted by busymomonli
I'm sure that would totally help and every year I say that I'm going to do it, but then when Christmas over I don't want to revisit it in my mind. lol.
LOL I hear ya. I think I need to do it now, while it's all still fresh and save it for next year.
But I'm lazy so who knows if I'll get around to it!
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| Posted 12/20/17 10:14 AM |
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NYCGirl80
I love my kiddies!
Member since 5/11 10413 total posts
Name:
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Re: Christmas merriment
Posted by busymomonli
Maybe its me, but I do not enjoy these holidays anymore. It just feels like rush, rush, rush right up until the last minute. I see people posting on facebook making like 6 dozen assorted cookies and homemade eggnog, doing holiday photo shoots with matching outfits. Where the heck do they find the time? I am literally so exhausted after work that I cannot even think about it. And the weekends are filled with chores and laundry and shopping. This weekend will be rushing around getting last minute gifts, food for Christmas eve/day, wrapping all the stuff hurriedly.
I don't know. I've lost my Christmas cheer. How do I get it back?
We don't celebrate Christmas, but I can relate to the rush! We're out the door at 6:45am and don't get home until at least 12 hours later. Then it's dinner, bath, and bed. I barely see my kids during the week, let alone find time to put together gifts for their classes or bake cookies or whatever these other super moms do. I try to keep our weekends our own as much as possible, but we inevitably have to run around and do shopping, laundry, etc. Squeezing family and friends in, too. I get stressed out abour our rushed schedule, but I just try to appreciate our family time as much as possible.
One thing I've learned to do is let go of the things that I can. I never clean my house. Like never. I pay cleaning ladies to come every other week. They have a key so they can clean while we're at work. Best. Investment. Ever. I used to bake brownies for every party at my children's day care. Now I buy them. I hired a babysitter to pick our children up from day care 3 days a week. While it's not quality time I can spend with my children, at least they have a shorter day, I don't have to worry about rushing home or missing the train or train cancellations. The kids are relaxed, fed, and happy by the time we get home from work.
When I stopped trying to be super mom, I found a bit more balance, and it's made me a happier person.
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| Posted 12/20/17 10:19 AM |
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MrsO
Big Brothers to Be
Member since 1/07 4521 total posts
Name:
Maureen
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Re: Christmas merriment
I think the key to getting in the spirit is go to something festive take time out of the normal routine and do something different. I also have tried to enjoy doing things more and not so much rushing. It definitely is hard.
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| Posted 12/20/17 10:34 AM |
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JME78
LIF Adult
Member since 11/09 3672 total posts
Name:
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Christmas merriment
I think you just have to accept that you cannot do all of the things - but make time to prioritize the things that are important to you and just enjoy them to the fullest and do NOT worry about what other people are doing.
I work full time and have been very busy this December in particular - so I had no time to bake, haven't sent Christmas cards, and have barely decorated other than a tree.
But our kids had the best time decorating the tree. They loved having breakfast with Santa. They loved seeing the Christmas Spectacular. Those are the things that matter to me, making memories with my family, not having a pinterest perfect life.
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| Posted 12/20/17 10:43 AM |
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ali120206
2 Boys
Member since 7/06 17795 total posts
Name:
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Christmas merriment
I hear you. On top of the regular Christmas stuff - my husband ran a kid's Christmas party this year (which I did most of the work for) and my son turns 8 tomorrow.
I prioritize the stuff I enjoy first (well, after work...) I did 99% of my shopping online (mainly through Target). I wrap a little at a time... But, I also try to enjoy the season.
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| Posted 12/20/17 10:57 AM |
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nancyg
LIF Adolescent
Member since 9/10 729 total posts
Name:
Nancy
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Re: Christmas merriment
I try to plan for the weekdays on the weekends. I meal plan, even if it's stocking up on frozen dinner options. I lay out outfits for the kids for every day and leave them in a drawer. Each night they choose a pile and it's ready for the next morning. I make lunches, sandwiches for me, let the kids buy. Light cleaning.
I do this year round but this time of year it helps b/c I use my week nights to decorate cookies, put together class gifts, write cards, wrap, etc.
I also agree with taking a few days off. I took off the Mon-Wed after Thanksgiving and it was a huge help.
I also work from home one day a week. That's my laundry day while I'm working. Can you ask about working from home with your job? It's been a tremendous help for me.
We've also been watching Freeform and Hallmark channel around the clock. I think with so many Xmas movies around we can't not be int he spirit.
I'll sleep in January. :)
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| Posted 12/20/17 11:20 AM |
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Pumpkin1
LIF Adult
Member since 12/05 3715 total posts
Name:
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Christmas merriment
I'm right there with you. Also, am I the only who thinks the Christmas season is entirely too long now? I can't wait to take down my tree on the 26th because I'm just glad its over after enduring it for 2 months (Santa was at the mall before Halloween this year). Also, while I know that it can save time, I just can't bring myself to buy presents in September.
Message edited 12/20/2017 11:32:12 AM.
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| Posted 12/20/17 11:31 AM |
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JandJ1224
Member since 6/06 5911 total posts
Name:
Jannette
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Re: Christmas merriment
I find the magic and excitement from my kids helps to keep me in the holiday spirit. Just when I am feeling ugh there will be something that makes their eyes twinkle and gets me in the mood again. The anticipation of Christmas morning pulls me though
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| Posted 12/20/17 11:36 AM |
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Peainapod
Peanuts are here!
Member since 1/09 13591 total posts
Name:
Diana
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Re: Christmas merriment
feel the same. Between my son's school activities and work, there is not enough time. I come home, and im zapped.
I spent all weekend doing my chocolate lollies and cake pops. I dont HAVE to do these, but I typically like to and give them out to coworkers. Yesterday I was off but spent part of my day at my son's xmas school party, he had a well visit, and spent the rest of my day putting together some little gifts and candy treats for work.
I did get an early start on the photos and cards this year, but next year I will get an earlier start on the gift list / shopping for sure.
I will spend part of saturday picking up the stuff for xmas dinner, cleaning, and baking cookies.
Most of this stuff is stuff I put on myself though.
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| Posted 12/20/17 12:24 PM |
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AngnShaun
Sisters
Member since 1/10 21015 total posts
Name:
Ang
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Re: Christmas merriment
people tend to make time for things that are top on their list. If someone is a baker normally then chances are theyre going to have time to do it. If someone is decoration obsessed, theyre going to make time to decorate every inch of their house. If someone loves holiday mini sessions theyre going to email their photographer in July making sure they are doing minis this year and already put their deposit down.
I dont wonder where people get the time to do it.... i wonder where people get the money to do it lol
Message edited 12/20/2017 1:51:39 PM.
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| Posted 12/20/17 1:50 PM |
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PitterPatter11
Baby Boy is Here!
Member since 5/11 7632 total posts
Name:
Momma <3
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Re: Christmas merriment
Posted by AngnShaun
people tend to make time for things that are top on their list. If someone is a baker normally then chances are theyre going to have time to do it. If someone is decoration obsessed, theyre going to make time to decorate every inch of their house. If someone loves holiday mini sessions theyre going to email their photographer in July making sure they are doing minis this year and already put their deposit down.
So true. I LOVE working out and make time for it more or less every day - even if that means I am getting up at 4 am.
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| Posted 12/20/17 1:51 PM |
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FirstMate
My lil cowboy
Member since 10/10 7790 total posts
Name:
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Re: Christmas merriment
Posted by AngnShaun
people tend to make time for things that are top on their list. If someone is a baker normally then chances are theyre going to have time to do it. If someone is decoration obsessed, theyre going to make time to decorate every inch of their house. If someone loves holiday mini sessions theyre going to email their photographer in July making sure they are doing minis this year and already put their deposit down.
Exactly.
To the OP, I felt the same way you do last year so this year I made a concerted effort to be done so I could enjoy more. I made a point of getting more things done during the week to make more time on the weekend. For example, usually I do all my laundry on the weekend but I have been trying to do a load a day. I did a lot of shopping online and have been doing all the stupid little things...buying gift wrap, cards, little gifts, running to the liquor store...on my lunch hour or on my way home from work.
I don't get home until late as well. Typically by the time I sit down it's around 10. Lately I have been sitting down with my scissors and tape and have been wrapping each night. I should be completely done by tomorrow with everything, including wrapping.
I noticed a complete difference this year. I have been able to go to the city, we did all the necessary christmas parties, we made gingerbread houses, did a mini photo shoot and this weekend I will bake with my son. I actually feel so accomplished! It's been hard during the week but it's for a few weeks so it's worth it.
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| Posted 12/20/17 2:33 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Christmas merriment
The only thing I really care about are my cards, so yes I book a mini session for late Sept, early Oct because I'm obsessed with my DD's photos and I love designing the card.
So whoever said you make time for what is important to you is correct.
I am not a fan of Christmas decor and clutter so I go super minimal and very beautiful and classy with the decorating. Everything has to match and I dont' like a lot of excess clutter and anything red or green. My tree is monochromatic silver and sparkly and that's it.
Obviously wrapping is also NOT important to me as that sits until Christmas Eve and then I curse all night while doing it and hurt my back!
Message edited 12/20/2017 3:18:09 PM.
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| Posted 12/20/17 2:55 PM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: Christmas merriment
Posted by AngnShaun
people tend to make time for things that are top on their list. If someone is a baker normally then chances are theyre going to have time to do it. If someone is decoration obsessed, theyre going to make time to decorate every inch of their house. If someone loves holiday mini sessions theyre going to email their photographer in July making sure they are doing minis this year and already put their deposit down.
I dont wonder where people get the time to do it.... i wonder where people get the money to do it lol
This is true. It really all depends on what is important to you.
I admit, I LIVE for Xmas, I love the whole season and cannot wait for it every year. I also LOVE to cook and bake. So for me, the decorating, Xmas cookie making, entertaining, wrapping, etc. is the best and I make time for it because I truly enjoy it all. But I get that not everyone is like me and that's okay too.
I think people spend WAY too much time worrying about what others are doing, or comparing themselves and their holidays to others, or tying their merriment and cheer into what the stores dictate and IMO...............NONE of that matters. It's completely on each individual to make the holiday what they want. You create your own cheer and joy. I do the things I do at the holidays because it brings ME joy and I don't care what everyone else is doing or if people think what I do is over the top. I think if everyone did the things that made them happy around the holidays this season would feel a lot stressed and crazy.
I also think it's important to take some time during the holidays to just "be". Sit, relax, listen to some Xmas music, have a mug of cocoa and jut breathe. People make themselves so harried and crazed that I think many times they forget to actually enjoy the merriment of the season.
Just my two cents. 
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| Posted 12/20/17 3:15 PM |
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