Entry FeedThere is a house that I drive by, not daily but often enough, that does a countdown to Christmas with an easel on the front lawn. "13 more sleeps until Christmas"
I hate it. I hate parents who count in "sleeps". I hate the pressure of knowing exactly how many more days I have to finish the million and one things on my list. I am busy and rushed enough without having to feel worse every time I drive by this house.
The past few weeks, I have actually started going different routes just to avoid the house in the neighbourhood with the countdown. How's that for Christmas spirit?
I am about 80% done my present shopping list. Today and tomorrow I have to clean the house to prepare for the purchase of our Christmas Tree (Step One: Remove the 4 sets of hockey equipment airing out in the living room)
Real or fake? Obviously, I love real. Better for the environment; smell better; look better. Husband and I have NEVER had a fake tree. One year we kept our real tree so long, as it hadn't dropped a needle yet in mid-January, that we had to take it somewhere to dump it ourselves - it was too late for the city trucks. We used to go with the longer needled Scotch Pine, until we discovered the Fraser Fir. I've heard that they actually release sap to glue the needles to the branches as they dry out. Plus, I have a slightly neurotic Husband when it comes to watering things, so we stick with real.
Still on my Christmas to do list?
- Gifts for Teachers and coaches
- Clean house
- Get tree
- Decorate tree
- Find decorations and stockings
- Finish wrapping
- Buy stocking stuffers
- Sing a carol, or two
- Bake something with ginger or cloves
- Clean again
- Find the kids Advent Calendars after they've gone to bed and help them "catch up"
OK, the last thing, 100% true. On December 1st, Daughter tore into her and her brother's advent calendars. He was upset, she didn't understand the whole "waiting and having only one per day" (really, who does? Oh - maybe if I counted in sleeps I could explain waiting to her!)
So, I put the calendars high and out of reach. The best part? Son One seems to be the only child to grabs his down every morning for his chocolate. Did I mention that my kids got Lindt Advent Calendars this year? Yes!
Hope your plans are starting to come together...