Christmas in the spirit or not?

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I'm so proud of myself!!! I finished Mom's table cloth YESTERDAY... I was beginning to think I wouldn't make it and would have to find her something at the last minute. I also have the majority of my wrapping done. Today I have to get a candle for my s-i-l, then tonight wrap Mom's gift and the stuff for my s-i-l. My packages came out pretty nicely...

I think I'm getting into the spirit finally. I can't believe that in 4 short days I'll be picking up my rental car and packing it to go to Delaware... I just hope the ride is uneventful! I have lots of CD's to sing to and make the miles pass quickly.

Wish all travelers a safe journey and return home!

I truly believe you get out of Christmas what you put into it. Not that it has to be done in a hurry - the exact oposite. I always try and be completely ready by Dec 1 (except to put up the real trees - two of them). Then I can relax and enjoy the holiday. I start thinking about next years gifts while I am at boxing day sales. Everyone on my list gets a present that shows that I have chosen it just for them and shows that I have taken an interest in their lives throughout the past year (remembering if they say they like a certain something or that they just painted their bathroom and get matching towel for example). The gifts represent not an obligation for me but a sign of my love. My greatest joy at Christmas is watching others open them. I do the baking a month in advance so that I can take my time and put the extra touches in it. I love giving these homemade goodies to everyone who comes to visit or to people who don't have the time to do it themselves. I go overboard with the decorations both inside and out because I enjoy the pleasure it brings to everyone who visits. The decorations have been collected over the past thirty some years and taking each one out brings back wonderful memories. My cards are always mailed early so mine will be the first one everyone receives and remembers (I chose them the year before at the after Christmas sales). The fact that I have to work over Christmas (12 hour night shifts the 24, 25 and 26) only causes a little sigh but then I am thinking about how to make it a better time for the other staff I am working with as well as the patients that have to spend the holidays in hospital. My house will be filled with family staying with me for the holidays and I am thankful that my brother doesn't need his open heart surgery until after the holidays so we can all enjoy the time together. On the 26th I am giving a big supper with all the trimmings for about 15 people and then work that night again. I am thankful that I don't have to stay and do the cleanup. My oldest son won't be home Christmas day for the first time but I am happy he and his new wife will be home for the 26th for supper. So Christmas is all in your attitude and your heart. You make the decision on how you will handle the stress or commercialism or the fact you have to work. You make the decision about whether you will be happy or not. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas in your heart. Ellen

I just made Xmas cookies with my mother and it has put me out of the spirit. It's like having Martha Stewart in the kitchen with me. These are too big, this one's too dry, this one is undercooked.... Other than that I plan on celebrating the same way as every year.

fergus, I do sympathize!! Been there, done that with grandma. Not only her, but every year my in-laws show up late for dinner. It used to get my blood boiling, esp when the kids were small, and hubby worked, so I was there by myself with 2 toddlers preparing a feast for 14 people.

One year I was so pi$$ed, I cracked open the champagen early, after 2 glasses, I really didn't care what time anyone showed up, or how perfectly timed dinner hit the table.

MY recommendation to you? Two drinks BEFORE you meet with Martha, but don't forget the tic tacs! LOL!!!!

Guess what? Santa just rolled into town. In my town, Santa has always arrived in grand style on the top of a fire rtuck. This has been going on since I was a tyke, and the firemen throw out candy , it used to be huge red lollipops with a white icing-like santa pic on them. Now nothing gets me happier than to watch little kids get a kick out of this. My kids are too old for that now, too cool, but I go out and wave to Santa.

LOL!!! I wish Hoolahan! I can't drink because I take medication... sigh...She made it up to me by cleaning the cookie pans. I know she means well, but she just drives me INSAAAAAANNNNNNEEEE!

Well, I've decided that I love Christmastime too much to be bummed any more...
I've got all gifts bought/made but one, and busy Christmas activities for the next 5 days, so I'm going to just let everything else go for a while including my disfunctional family!!
so change my answer to Yes.

Hope you guys have a great holiday week!

Happy Holidays Rick