So here I am mid November with Christmas on my mind: Posing the perpetual question-how to not be so crazy as I hit this time of year. I love the story and message of Christ's birth, I'm a fan of Santa, I admire the zillion cute decorations and cards- but I don't love feeling chaotic, stressed by expectations, over budget, and unsure if I've bought the "right" gift.
Multiple dilemmas to overcome to achieve the Christmas Peace that I hope for every season. Any suggestions?
First Dilemma- I don't only have Christmas to think about, but Richard, Andrew and Jayna all have Nov. or Dec. birthdays as well. Sometimes we just buy gifts and then try to decide what is birthday, what is Christmas; I think a few times we have bought presents for Andrew after Christmas, um yeah, when there is nothing "good" left in the store. Bad idea. Jayna's birthday presents have just been wrapped- so at least this year there is no confusion over what is for what- ( although I still wonder - did we buy the "right" presents) As far as Richard goes, I really am a lost case when it comes to buying him amazing presents. But hey, I have to plead my case- I really am simple and inexpensive to buy for, and I like things that the general public would have an understanding of what the item is. My sweet hubby is a different story- what do I know he wants- a big screen tv, umm, I am a college student with 3 children- thus out of my budget- sometimes computer gear, or motorcycle equipment, but unless he sends me a link to a website, I don't really know what he wants, (oh and it will be more expensive than a bottle of lotion!)- and how fun is that just buying items he's passed on to me ??? I thought I had a great birthday idea for him, but no luck... So before I even hit Christmas with him I'm stuck working on his birthday.
Dilemma Two- Buy now and be done- or- wait for the best deals and for the kids to change their minds about what is REALLY important
So in my mind, it would be lovely to have all the shopping done by Dec. 1st. That way I could relax and enjoy the season ( okay, relax may be a stretch I have college until the 22nd or 23rd- but maybe I could be slightly less deranged)- But won't more things be going on sale- I am on a budget- should I wait and see what is the best deal????? Do you have any experience with kids??? What may be the must have item today, umm will be so last week, um next week?? Do I wait until I see what the new "must have" item is.
Holy Cow- writing this post is stressing me out!!! And it's not that my kids are totally crazy, but their Mom is somewhat. They don't get a ton of presents throughout the year- they have to buy a lot of what they get themselves- so the things they do get for Christmas, I want to be great. Then there is the other issues- do you make it fair by the number of presents each child gets, or the $ spent. Either way it can seem way off balance- one big presents to ten little ones, makes someone feel jipped I think? But if someone knows the cost of items is way different... Oh and then beyond that- the other questions- how do I make Christmas spiritual when my hubby is not into that side of it. How do I make time for special traditions when I'm going to school full time and doing everything else. How do I keep with traditions that we have done before, but now Andrew and Whitney are outgrowing, but Jayna would still like to do....
And the list goes on and on- any great ideas out there? ( And for the most part- yes I am feeling somewhat emotionally stable- well ususally)
Happy Holidays!
And so it goes...
2 comments:
Well....I think you have pretty much summed up the age old christmas dilemna's. I don't have all the answers...but some ideas. One thing I try to do is take care of the no-brainers...whatever they are. You might try the flylady.org site...they have a christmas daily mission (stuff like getting all your tape and wrapping paper etc) and they also have a christmas journal that will allow you to keep recipes, traditions, menus, groceries from previous years. I do refer to it. And then I try to get the simple gifts out of the way..the stuff I don't have to figure out just so I don't have to worry about it later. Don't worry about making things perfect. What I like to do is ask every one what the most important thing about Christmas is for each one of them ...and then try and hit those things....but don't worry about being perfect or doing everything.
Cheryl
This may not help for this year but I Christmas shop for actual gifts and gift ideas all year long. That way, if I find something on sale that I thing someone may like I buy it when I see it. It helps me pay cash for everyone on my list and by the time December rolls around, I have quite a few people done or at least most of the stocking stuffers taken care of.
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