Dear Holiday Diary,
After a week of decorating, I still am surrounded by doodads and ditzies just begging to be made into some form of centerpiece, swag or other holiday shimmery thing. It doesn’t help that I keep looking up at my cupboards with the memory of this ceiling I spied while in Denver.
Thanks a lot, Oxford Hotel. I’m still trying to forget the images of Patsy Ramsey’s house. Now I want to buy gold ribbon to swing from above my cupboards to the top of my chandelier. As if I don’t already have enough to do –
- Finish sketching the Christmas card.
- Note to self: Ask Danny to hide all the scissors in the house. NO POPUPS!
- Ink the illustration.
- Blog the contest to win a Christmas card.
- Put away crafting supplies and duct tape the containers shut. Danny should hide them too.
- Start baking.
- Get outside! It’s supposed to drop from the 50’s to below zero by Wednesday. Maybe I can add one more string of lights to the outdoor display, I mean, take a hike.
Ideas keep popping into my mind. I need to make them stop. I’ll let you know how I manage.
Have you started your holiday traditions? Are you scrambling like I am?
Not a Christmas person … but I love the cards, the lights, colors and decorations … for Christmas is more just perfect.
Since my mum passed away I always go away (escape) over Christmas … to somewhere that they don’t celebrate Christmas as such. So I’m on top of everything … my Christmas/Advent lights are in my windows … and my all my Christmas cards will be done online this year, because somebody has stolen my beautiful cards that bought in UK last year.
I really hope that you will get a plentiful Christmas .. and I’m sure if you don’t manage to do everything, nobody will notice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Viveka! How are you??? I’m so glad you stopped by.
I can understand your aversion after losing a loved one. Christmas holds so many memories.
You reminded me of the lights in the windows! One more thing to add to the list. I agree that I’m hitting the enough-is-enough point. I’m on to baking. If you lived closer, I’d invite you over!
I hope that wherever you land, you have a fabulous holiday.
Thanks so much!
LikeLike
Susie …. I’m doing fine, my health is stable and stable is good in my book, even if the side effect can get to me at times (not very often – they are what they are). I hope that you’re doing just fine .. it looks like it.
It was lovely to meet up with you again.
Mum wasn’t a Christmas person neither, but I spent the Christmas with her. Where ever I was I always made my way home.
If I was closer I would love to come, Christmas or no Christmas.
Going to spend my Christmas in Marrakesh. , very excited about it .. staying at a Riad. Never been.
I wish you a plentiful Christmas of all the nice stuff.
LikeLike
Marrakesh! How cool is that??? Glad to hear you’re managing your health. I wish you all the best too, Viveka!
LikeLike
I will leave this all up to you LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
HA! It’s a very wild life. Today was all about baking. Of course nothing ever goes completely smooth in life. 🙂
LikeLike
Lists are good!
LikeLike
It’s the only way I can sleep at night. As it is, I’m waking at 4:30 running them through my head. I’ve got it all under control. *famous last words*
LikeLiked by 2 people
I can SO identify with that. Probably a lot of people can. Why do we do this to ourselves?!!
LikeLike
I have no idea. My mom wants to know too. 🙂 I think it’s a drive we creative thinkers can’t derail.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree.
LikeLike
I’m so busy at this time of year that I don’t have time for much. This year I even have to scratch my homemade Gingerbread off the list. The Viking put Christmas lights up 3 years ago – they look like he drove past and just threw them at the house – and they’ve been there ever since. It bothers me so much I hate turning them on but my daughter, Mim, laughed at me and said they look ‘weirdly charming’. So, I bury my perfectionism under a pile of Lindt chocolate.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a great place to bury it! We do our own lights too. They’re never perfect and I literally throw some of them up! Ha!
I haven’t made a gingerbread house for years. I guess I can’t do it all either!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think holidays should be fun, and that means none of that hard work like decorating, lights, and custom cards. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure a lot of people can’t relate to what I do, X. I’m a creative soul and enjoy doing the work on that level. I just can’t handle the stress. I’m starting early, so hopefully that won’t play a big part this year. No popup cards!!! They were an insane amount of work. I’m really looking forward to the holidays!
LikeLike
Does Danny ever get tired just watching your perpetual motion? I get tired sometimes just watching Sharon.
LikeLike
Danny is high energy too! He does a ton of volunteering this time of year. He’ll (we’ll) sleep in January!
LikeLike
I’m exhausted by just reading all the things you want to do! I used to be an elf, but no more. I haven’t even dug out my wreath for the front door. My dad died on Christmas and either (A) Spoiled all the fun or (B) Saved me a lot of work. Perhaps both!
LikeLike
That is so tough. When my dad was dying, I wondered if he would die on a holiday. He passed in the middle of October. That’s a tough memory to overcome. It was weird for me this year. I had a harder time accepting his death before his one year anniversary. I went home to be with my mom, but she was so stoic. It really helped me heal. I still have moments when I really miss him, every day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We haven’t even started yet (although saying that, the Elf on the Shelf has arrived, and is causing mayhem)
LikeLike
Hahaha! I missed that whole insanity with my kids. I would have been so into that! How old are they?
LikeLike
Well, the Christmas lights are up outside… in my neighbor’s yard. If I get to feeling festive, all I have to do is step out onto my porch and survey their winter wonderland. I have a pretty short list: shop for the grandkids. And since I’ve done that, I’m all set. I admire your energy and creativity.
LikeLike
Fantastic, Maggie!
I’ve got a lot to do, but I’m ahead in my book. There have been years when I drew the Christmas card the week before the holidays and sent them for New Years! I hope to go skiing this weekend. *crosses fingers*
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is a good idea (one more string of lights). But wait! It would make more sense after it goes to zero. The accomplishment factor goes up ten fold. 😀
LikeLike
You’re right, but I didn’t get out there to add any. Hey! I bought one those crazy laser light shows. I’ll focus it on the dark side of the house! *waits until it warms up again…* Don’t judge. I’m not acclimated yet! Ha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just thought a good Type A activity would be getting on a ladder in sub zero weather to put up another string. Bonus points for that activity.
LikeLike
Right? I took out the garbage cans last night in a snowstorm. Does that count?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. Well done. 😀
LikeLike
I’m out of breath just reading this!
LikeLike
Ha! I crossed off a few more items today. Slowly, but surely, it will all get done… *crosses fingers*
LikeLike
I still have a week before I can actually begin…I’m getting nervous!
LikeLike
Make a list. It will make you feel better!
There’s no stopping Christmas whether we’re ready or not. I’ve learned to do my best and then roll with it. Every year, I pray it’s not a bumpy ride!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fasten your seat belt!
LikeLike
Yesireeeeeeeee!
LikeLike
LOL!
LikeLike
One thing I still need to to is make a list of the things I still need to do. Thanks for the reminder!
LikeLike
It really helps. Checking off a list keeps me from waking up in the middle of the night in a cold nervous sweat panic attack!
Great to see you, Lisa!
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s still some room in my attic. Just sayin’……
LikeLike
I’ll be Jonesing for a spot in your attic come Wednesday next week…
LikeLike
LOL. keep the faith…
LikeLike
Oiiiiiiiiii 😀
LikeLike
I know!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I went with vintage lights this year outdoors – have a whole tub of the old ones from relatives attics and I’ve scrambled to get bulbs.
Luckily I did them last week ( when it was warm 70 degrees and before my daughter’s baby came) Now I am hustling to get the tree done – the middle sized tree (to cut back a bit with everything going on…had to make a stocking for the new kid…hand made – must be equal to others made …with handsewn sequins and stars, with felt cutouts of raindeer, bears, trees, candy canes and snow men and name in script in sequins…with fur…husband kept saying “it’s done – it’s done – you can stop” but a few more snowflakes and…you know how it goes…so the middle size tree), then the window ledges over the front door and…
Oh heck, it’s the fun of it all. Ho Ho Ho. Jingle on
LikeLike
CONGRATULATIONS GRANDMA!!! Wow. This Christmas will be so much fun for you! I can only imagine the projects. ENJOY!!
LikeLike
First – BREATHE OUT – you are making me anxious and stressed! I am pretty much done decorating – waiting for my two wreaths to come in the mail. My husband was so giddy in picking out his 1st live tree this year and it got me giddy too. I need to send out some holiday cards and I am still shopping for some gifts. I love this time of the year and really try to just enjoy it and not get wrapped up in it 🙂 We started a new tradition this year in buying a live tree and we will continue the tradition of taking a walk on the beach for the Christmas Holiday. My brother and sister-in-law will be here and have not had a Christmas with them since 2004 – long time coming and cannot wait. Happy Day – Enjoy!
LikeLike
It sounds like you have it all under control! *Lets our breath* It’s always nice to celebrate the holidays with family.
I’ve turned a corner and If all goes well today, I’m going skiing this weekend. 🙂 Great to see you, Renee!
LikeLike
Good Luck – Wishing You the BEST and MAKE THE TIME TO GO SKIING – DO IT for Yourself – You DESERVE IT!!!!
LikeLike
Thanks, Renee! We didn’t get out skiing, but we are in great shape for next week’s party, so it’s all good. 🙂
LikeLike
I’m scrambling getting ready to leave for Tokyo in a little over a week! I need to figure out my plans of where to stay and travel while I’m in Japan. Why do I wait until the last minute to do these things?
LikeLike
Human nature! We put off what we can’t visualize. At least that’s always my case. Try VRBO. We did well with it in Europe. Will you be there for Christmas? Sounds like a fantastic trip!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll be there for Christmas and New Years! I’ll check into VRBO, thank you for that suggestion. I have friends who’ve also had really good experiences with AirBNB in Japan so that’s an option as well!
LikeLike
Definitely! I can’t wait to catch up with you before you leave!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And if I don’t catch you before I leave, lets definitely do tea when I get back in January.
LikeLike