Counting Down

I feel sort of frazzled this holiday season. There's a more than usual sensing of being rushed. I know the source is work where deadlines are looming and talk of working through the holiday are circulating. I hate the sense of days rushing by and personal life taking the "way back" seat.

So I'm glad that in the midst of the craziness I took time to do something I've been meaning to do for my little one - an advent calendar. I let go of having to do it perfectly and just did it free form. I decided on a count down approach and have used little brown bags with stamped numbers and stickers. Without a place to put all 25 bags, I've been making them in batches and putting one out a day.

Good thing, when we started, I left the number 23 bag on a shelf ready or the next day. I came home to a story from the little one about how she had to open the 23 bag because the 24 bag had nothing in it. Hmm, the the 24 bag had nothing in it because a certain someone had already consumed the contents. I realized, if I had prepared and put out all 25 bags they would have lasted a day. 

So now, we are counting down one bag at a time and celebrating Christmas a little every day.

Weekend Plans

No sleeping in this weekend. We have a breakfast date with Frosty the Snowman. My little one's school hosts a yearly holiday breakfast with the famed snowman. The event includes a gift fair where the little one's can do their Christmas shopping for parents, grand parents, etc. with the help of some nice volunteers. Last year she chose a flower jewel ring for me! Can't wait to see what she buys me this year.

I have to say I'm looking forward to doughnuts and coffee with the snowman.

Photo from Telegraph UK.

Christmas Prep Underway

I'm having difficulty believing Christmas is just weeks away. I've actually bought the little one a bunch of gifts and even wrapped them. We're doing a free form Advent Calendar. More about that later. I finished designing our Christmas cards last night and placed the order. The wreath has arrived from my brother and sister in law and is on the door. I planted a amaryllis bulb and set it on the table in a nice red pot. So why don't I feel Like it's Christmas time yet?

Maybe because it seems like a million miles away in terms of work and chores and gifts still to buy. If I made a list of all that still needs to be done, it would dwarf what I have already accomplished. It's just the time of year when you seem to race around in hopes you'll get it all done and have a chance to finally relax. It certainly isn't as easy as just hanging the stockings with care. Big to do list here I come.

Photo via Limilee.