I don't know why more people aren't excited about the holidays. I am super excited and thrilled. We are going out to buy a Christmas tree and stand. We bought our first set of holiday lights and yes we could wait to buy them on sale after Christmas but I feel like this is it. There are so many wonderful things going on and it's a very fun time of year.
I have to say that all I've heard is people complaining however. They are tired of driving somewhere for Thanksgiving. They are tired of shopping, buying, and wrapping, gifts. They are tired and don't want to decorate.
My thoughts? If you don't want to go anywhere or do anything don't. We've spent years waiting for the chance to decorate our house and have a tree and start traditions. BUT it's not cheap and I can see how it can be tiring.
We're hosting my BIL and FIL for thanksgiving. We're smoking a turkey, sweet potatoes (2 different kinds), 2 different stuffings, cranberry sauce, hot potato salad, broccoli, apple pie, and duff. I made the stuffing today, the cranberry yesterday, the sweet potatoes tomorrow and potato salad and maybe the duff.
We're hosting my parents for Christmas then seeing DH's family for New Years. I'm pretty stoked with both events and I'm thinking rib roast with bone for Christmas. Not sure what my in-laws will make for new years.
I haven't started Christmas shopping, but I did buy few things online for the kids and DH as a surprise. I can see how it can get out of control.
But if people don't want to spend a lot of money I can honestly say it can be done. Until now we've spent almost nothing on Christmas, New Years, and Thanksgiving (we used to go to a friend's house). So keep it simple and eat a regular mean and don't stress out. I wish I could say that in real life to people who seem out of their mind busy and crazy and exhausted. It's not even Thanksgiving yet.
Happy Thanksgiving. What are you doing?
Get into the spirit
November 24th, 2015 at 09:22 pm
November 24th, 2015 at 09:32 pm 1448400731
November 24th, 2015 at 10:34 pm 1448404470
I'm finally free of the bondage of doing what people expect me to do.
Case in point, the kids' (three youngest) Christmas show is on 12/17 - a Thursday. I missed that fact when we got four tickets to an early preview show of the new Start Wars movie (the one that starts at midnight on 12/18). One mother of a classmate called to see if I'd bring baked treats; had to say that we wouldn't be there, no we're not travelling, the men are off to the movies. Silence would have been the rest response, but I got "Well, I don't know if that would be the acceptable choice for our family." UGH!
This will be the year that instead of being in church clothing, the boys will be in Star Wars t-shirts and life sabers and maybe even some random Halloween masks.
"My monkeys, my circus, my big top. Move on."
Enjoy your holidays, I am so happy for your enthusiasm.
November 24th, 2015 at 10:42 pm 1448404945
Laura have fun! Hope this weekend is pleasurable and not crazy. How cool that you are going to Star Wars. We are not star wars fans (we're trekkies) but that's an awesome treat for the kids. Who cares how anyone is spending the holidays. I find myself more free now than before.
Being where we were we had made friends and expectations. This year I am hoping to AVOID all of that. I don't want to do gifts with friends PERIOD. Last year we got into doing gifts with 4 friends when years ago I refused (since college!) And then 4 different families got us to do it. It was sooo Annoying. I feel a card is enough because it's materialistic enough and I don't feel the need to spend more than I see fit.
But I feel forced when people buy gifts and expect something in return. A nice christmas card is all I want or need.
November 24th, 2015 at 11:18 pm 1448407104
We have invited both sides to come see us for he holidays, but they're older so that will probably never happen. So for me the holiday are just a big guilt trip. I remember loving the holidays when I was younger, but as an adult I am having trouble getting into the season.
Glad you're enjoying it! I'm not a Scrooge and want people to put up lights and trees - always so pretty!
November 25th, 2015 at 01:37 am 1448415421
November 25th, 2015 at 04:43 am 1448426592
Butterscotch I get it. My in-laws like 10 and 13 hrs drive away and my family is still a plane ride. But it's shorter than it was and so much more pleasant.
I just feel so sad that so many people I swear look like they want to tear their hair out over these holidays. They are complaining about the drive, the gifts, the everything. They seem more over it than into it. I feel terrible that it's making them so miserable and I'm honestly raring to go.
I am ready to start making cookies and planning the month of activities. I just love even Christmas music and always have. I think my DH is getting into it too. I am excited to be buying presents and volunteering. I found a place for the kids we can do every month.
I used to do the shelter in our town during the holidays with my mom. But my mom knew everyone since she did that sort of work and honestly she's a very kind person because of the type of work she did. She still is very kind and generous and giving. I hope to instill those values of kindness to my kids. I am failing compared to her, but I am trying.
November 25th, 2015 at 01:08 pm 1448456881
It's inspiring to see you so excited!!
November 25th, 2015 at 01:30 pm 1448458219
November 25th, 2015 at 02:47 pm 1448462868
We have no family, but we have each other! That is special enough!
November 25th, 2015 at 05:13 pm 1448471592
November 27th, 2015 at 03:56 pm 1448639816