Everyday Mom

Oh my word!  There are only 91 days left until Christmas.  How in the world does it sneak up on me every single year.  I tell myself about January 2nd every year that I am going to be prepared next year.  I’m going to make detailed shopping lists, preschedule parties and gatherings, bake cookies, preaddress by photo greeting cards, blah, blah, blah.  Does any of that ever happen?  Well, mostly, but unfortunately, the vision of the beautiful housewife in her white apron organizing the season perfectly down to the last detail quickly fades into a frazzled mother of two running through the days at 90 miles per hour with her hair on fire trying to make sure everything gets done at the last minute.  Oh, I know there are some of you that will it off with style and class, but I also know that I am not alone.  This blessed season is a time to celebrate and enjoy the blessings around us.  I will do just that, and with luck, I’ll get it done on time, LOL!!

I’m going to start this year by sticking to my list.  The best way to do that is to make a list in the first place!  So, my goal this weekend is to outline the gatherings and gifts that I know are on the horizon.  I know without a doubt that there is a group of people that I want to remember this season.  In order to stay on a budget and stick to a schedule, as soon as I get a gift or decide on a gift idea, I am going to write it down and move on to the next thing. 

I’m going to make a picture appointment.  This will get those holiday smiles on paper and ready for greeting cards ahead of the Christmas rush in December.  I think I’ll check out the selection at Shutterfly this year.  I’ve never used them for greeting cards, but I hear they are wonderful.  I may even have to put together some photo books or calendars for gifts.  That would be something really special for my Daddy this year.  Hmm. . .progress!

I’m also going to get my family on the phone and choose dates for our Christmas get togethers.  I hate waiting until Dec. 1st when the season is upon us and days are filling fast to have to rearrange and make room for something else.  I also hate to feel rushed from place to place when we really should be enjoying our time together.  Get out those calendars and get your holiday season scheduled.  Hurry, it’s coming fast!

I love homemade cookies and candies for the holidays, but it seems most years we end up missing out because there just wasn’t a free day get it done.  I think this year I pick an afternoon in November and December to get my sister and our kids in the kitchen to have some fun.  Or maybe I’ll see if my best girlfriend wants to plan a day to bake.  It will be fun quality time together, and between the two of us we should have enough goodies to share.  I’ll still have to order a few things to take as thank you gifts to parties hosted by others, but homemade is the way to go for your closest family and friends.  If you are ordering online this season, you should check out David’s Cookies or Cheryl and Co.

 Are you ready?  Well, you better get that way, because it is coming fast.  91 days to go!