…the old days when Christmas preparations began December 1. The whole month of December built up day-by-day to the celebration of Christmas Eve and Day. We had craft making, tree trimming, and gift wrapping.
Fast forward a few years to now and we still have the gingerbread house making, tree trimming, and gift wrapping. The only difference is that school is more of a factor.
When I had one in preschool, and then one in elementary school and one in preschool, and even one in middle, one in elementary, and one in preschool, we still had time for the festive holiday preparation time. What changed? High school that’s what.
My oldest had two assignments due to today and a test today…the last day before break. She has worked flat out the last few weeks on projects, assignments, and tests. She’s a driven student who wants to do well. I want her to do well. But then there is my youngest who is in elementary school. I want to do all the festive pre-Christmas stuff for him, but we can only do so much when two of the kids are in high school and have assignments and test due. My middle daughter had midterms this week and last.
I’m a little blah today…on the one hand two of the kids start holiday break today and one started break two days ago. But on the other hand, the house is in a state of disarray. Books and papers are on the living room floor in a post-midterms jumble. The Christmas tree is up, but not decorated. Boxes of decorations are on the floor. The gingerbread kit sits in the wings waiting for assembly. Presents are purchased but not wrapped.
I’m in a funk. I need to get myself out of the funk. Perhaps a Christmas CD would help. This weekend we’ll do as much as we can to get ready for Christmas. Better late than never, right?
