How are there only six days until Christmas? The holiday that is the center of our fiscal year, and what we center our work year around, sneaks up on me every time. With only six days to go until the grand finale, I don't have my artificial tree up, let alone decorated. Not a light is in the window, not a wreath on the door, not a present is wrapped. I have the stockings hung, but they look out of place and pathetic without any other decorations. The large Santa picture I hang over the mantel each year is still in the attic. Oh, and at this point, forget about dragging out the twenty or so pieces of the Christmas village. Our home is definitely not festive.
I had thought I had completed all my Christmas shopping the weekend after Thanksgiving, so I thought I was ahead of the game until I realized a few days ago that I had not purchased a single "From Santa" gift for The Bean. I know she's almost sixteen and hasn't believed in Santa for years. However, we have a tradition in our house. For each person, I follow the rule of thumb: something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read. For The Bean, I do Santa gifts as well. There is special paper for her Santa gifts, and they don't go under the tree until after she falls asleep on Christmas Eve. It's my thing. I enjoy playing Santa.
This year, she might receive envelopes with pictures of her Santa gifts. I am the epitome of a bad Santa this year. I don't know how this happened. I honestly felt like I had it all under control. It seems each year, my grasp on reality becomes a bit looser. I was driving through town and saw an electric billboard with the countdown to Christmas and was like, "WHAAAAAAT? Eight days until Christmas!"
This weekend will be a mad rush to get everything done. This includes hanging a wreath on the door, decorating the tree and the mantel, and wrapping gifts. The Bibbed Wonder and I must drive an hour or so to pick up our steaks for our Christmas Eve dinner. I have two doctor's appointments in Pittsburgh that must be attended, and The Bean has begun musical practice for the school musical. I'm not sure how I will get it all done.
I am trying to remember that all the decorations, trimmings, and fuss over the perfect holiday are not really what makes it special. It's the time together, celebrating our savior and appreciating those we love. However, if I don't decorate this tree, my child will never forgive me. On Friday night, there will be no plans other than decorating the tree, watching The Grinch, and sleeping under the tree. All three things have to happen, or I won't forgive myself. Sigh.
Rather than sit here any longer, blathering on about my unpreparedness, I need to take action. On this chilly December 19th, there are only six days until Christmas; stay safe, be smart, don't let the days get away from you, try not to stress, and keep washing your hands.
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