Entry FeedHusband, claiming to be recovering from his illness, told the boys that they could get the Christmas tree this morning.
On his way out the door to get and visit the Scouts, he asked over his shoulder if I could clean up the living room to make room. I was still in my pajamas and in need of a shower. There were 3 1/2 sets of hockey equipment airing out in the living room, along with 80% of my gifts in various stages of wrapping, and all of my wrapping supplies. Unfortunately, the Scouts Christmas trees are only about three blocks away, and they were driving.
I started out by shoving hockey equipment into hockey bags. I hope that I was fairly accurate, but let's be honest, the only one I really cared about was my own. The bags were moved into the kitchen to help make room.
Next I piled all of the wrapping and gifts into one corner.
Then I moved two living room chairs, grabbed some towels and a garbage bag, and set up the corner for the tree. I decided that since I had been so efficient, I could probably grab a quick shower (if I didn't wash and condition my hair) and be dressed before they came home.
No such luck. I was just about to step into the shower when I heard the front door open. Thinking that it wasn't exactly very Christmas-like to put up the tree in the nude, I shouted down for them to start without me. They managed fine.
With the tree up and the scent of evergreen filling the house, the kids wanted to do more to get ready for Christmas. As we explained that we can't decorate until tomorrow, needing the branches to fall into place, we decided to do some wrapping.
Have you ever tried to wrap presents with three helpers? Not only is it not easy and fun, but I was ready to beat them all and send them to their rooms before the first gift was even wrapped. They each had their own roll of tape, and a job to do. One cut the paper. One helped to fold. One wrote the gift tags.
Husband and I tried to explain the shoving and pushing your siblings so that you can put the tape on first not only isn't "helpful" but also isn't in the Christmas spirit.
(Note to Friends and Family: The kids helped to wrap. Don't ask about the tape, or the messy corners. Be happy if the gift is still in one piece.)
I need a massage. If anyone wants to send me a present and doesn't know what to get me, consider a nice spa gift card. If you are more generous, a weekend away at a spa...