topic Re: Christmas Preparations - How is everyone doing? in Home

Christmas Preparations - How is everyone doing?

AngelPuppy1 — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 10:27:20 GMT

Just wondering where everyone is on their Christmas preparations?I think I am more ahead this year than I have ever been! Don't know why. I was really struggling and didn't think I was ever going to get anything accomplished. I finished my decorating 2 days after Thanksgiving. It has been taking me 3 days but this year it only took me 2 for some reason. I finished all my shopping over a month ago and already sent packages that needed to go out probably a week ago. Also, made myself sit down and do all my cards --- close to 50 of them --- and they've been in the mail for almost a week! I'm ordering a few cookies from a nearby bakery and we already know what we've having for our dinner and have most of the needed ingredients. Now, I just have to tackle the wrapping. This is really tedious and I end up feeling all stiff and sore. But, I'm really happy that I have things pretty much under control for once and don't have to feel all anxious about how I'm going to get everything done! I hope things are going well for everyone else!

Re: Christmas Preparations - How is everyone doing?

on the bay — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 10:45:40 GMT

You know, the other day for the first time I was thinking going out for a rare time in a store, it was all so hectic, so uncomfortable, all the hustle and bustle and trying to get things done, just even normal things, I was so glad to be home and thought, it shouldn't be like this.

I've always loved presents, giving and getting, the cards, the decorations everything! But all of a sudden it seemed just too much and I thought of that John Grisham book-skipping christmas-not that I'd ever want to but just tired.

Wondering how much to give etc.

I am happy about the presents I got for the grandkids and do look forward to them opening mine. but then I do think kids get so many presents.

Oh well, feeling a little scroogish.

Watching "The Man Who Invented christmas on Hulu, a very imaginative story about Charles Dickens creating his famous story.

Well, at @AngelPuppy1, perhaps you didn't want a book on your interesting question!🥴

Re: Christmas Preparations - How is everyone doing?

Roscoe the Rascal — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 11:10:47 GMT

My home is decorated, presents all bought and wrapped. Ready to rock n roll. Tonight is my first party with my gir!friends.

Fun from here on out.

Re: Christmas Preparations - How is everyone doing?

ninjawife — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 12:04:28 GMT

I am all ready- house decorated, tree up, light outside, presents purchased, wrapped and under the tree, cards addressed and ready to mail. The only thing left to do is shop for Christmas dinner and I will do that the week of Christmas. Oh I also made gingerbread men which we ate as we decorated the tree. I may make more cookies but not sure what kind. Also this weekend DH and I are making eggnog martinis to try out and see if we want to serve them to our guests on Christmas.

Re: Christmas Preparations - How is everyone doing?

Big Joanie — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 12:57:19 GMT

Very impressive Ladies !!!!

Re: Christmas Preparations - How is everyone doing?

CalminHeart — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 13:08:10 GMT

I mailed gifts to my son, dil, and grandkids before Thanksgiving. I have one more gift to get.

I'm having Dad and some of my immediate family here for Christmas Eve. Everyone brings a dish so one person doesn't have to do it all. As we did at Thanksgiving, only the vaccinated are coming.

Re: Christmas Preparations - How is everyone doing?

JeanLouiseFinch — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 13:57:41 GMT

Christmas music only is playing throughout the day

Decorating is done

Christmas dishes only are in use

Using a Christmas scented soap in the shower

Christmas scented Hempz lotion is on the nightstand

Menu is planned

Shopping is mostly done

Nothing is wrapped

Re: Christmas Preparations - How is everyone doing?

LindaSal — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 14:01:13 GMT

I finally finished decorating on Tuesday. Yesterday I wrote out Christmas cards but I haven't finished, I actually ran out of cards.....for some reason I could have sworn I bought more after the season last year! Evidently that was the year before?? Losing it, LOL! Anyway I will go out and get some today as I plan on mailing them all on Friday.

I do have my shopping done, I always start early but especially this year as most was done online. I have everything I need, just have to wrap a few gifts. It's easy for me as I only have my adult kids and their significant others. DH and I stopped buying gifts for each other years ago as we would rather vacation (in the real world) and go out for nice dinners.

Re: Christmas Preparations - How is everyone doing?

CANDLEQUEEN — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 14:22:04 GMT

I normally decorate the day after Thanksgiving, but this year we went out of town for the weekend with our church, so I have been decorating after work this week-finally finished up last night-just a few small touches to add, but otherwise all finished!

This is out 1st Christmas in our new home, so it was fun to see how different everything looked and also how well it all came together....

Re: Christmas Preparations - How is everyone doing?

Sooner — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 15:34:54 GMT

Done! But then we are minimalists by not. Big tree is up in the front window and outside lights are on. Carolers, angel and 2 nativity sets up, 1 box of Christmas dishes out, stair garland up, 2 gifts bought, gift card for mail carrier, and we are ready

No company, no trip out of town, no work gifts, no events except streaming church services, no gifts to wrap.

A couple of favorite shows to see, panettone to eat, favorite cookies, a pie and some really good steaks ant that's it. ENJOY!!!!

Re: Christmas Preparations - How is everyone doing?

NickNack — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 15:45:59 GMT

My small tree is up and my house is decorated. I don't do a lot. I still have to address Christmas cards and wrap presents. I don't have many presents to wrap and will try to do my cards today. I don't send many Christmas cards anymore.

Re: Christmas Preparations - How is everyone doing?

mac116 — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 16:19:55 GMT

Our outside lights are done, and most of the grandkids' gifts are here (thank you Amazon...2-3 day delivery on everything!).

However, we are in the midst of a kitchen remodel which cost WAY less to have it done between Thanksgiving and the New Year. So, no baking or entertaining this year at our house, which is fine with me. We'll go to our sons homes, as well as other get togethers with friends. I am truly happy to take a year off from the responsibility, and may just make it an annual thing.

Re: Christmas Preparations - How is everyone doing?

Carmie — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 17:04:00 GMT

I hung my beautiful natural wreath on my front door yesterday. All I have to do is bake. It is too early for that.

I don't shop...I give cash and I don't decorate anymore, so I am almost done.

Re: Christmas Preparations - How is everyone doing?

Regal Bee — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 17:15:10 GMT

My decorating is completed. Yay. Just enjoying it now.

Re: Christmas Preparations - How is everyone doing?

Jk9 — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 17:27:52 GMT

We don't decorate much and just put lighted garland on the farm gates. No one can see our house back in the woods even at night so don't add a lot of decorative lights. Actually don't want to call attention to our home so not an issue for me. We go to my son's for Christmas morning and the boys are grown so we just do cash for them to use as they wish. My son's family decorates with several trees etc. so we get to enjoy their festivities. Will have a low key holiday. I don't go to parties or receptions any more (my choice). Have cards ready to mail and gift cards ready for cash. No wrapping needed.

Re: Christmas Preparations - How is everyone doing?

wilma — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 20:17:12 GMT

Doing a bit of decorating each day.

Finished list: Electric candles in front windows, New small table top tree up in sunroom, front door wreath and bows on porch lights, garland with lights hung, assorted decorations in rooms

To do list: Large tree in living room, nativity set, Christmas village

We don't give gifts anymore so no stress there. We don't have children. We write checks to our teen and young adult nieces and nephews.

I have continued my late mother's tradition of baking cookies to share with family and friends. I will start making those a week or two before Christmas.

Re: Christmas Preparations - How is everyone doing?

Mom2Dogs — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 22:45:16 GMT

All gifts are bought, house decorated. I stirred up buckeyes this afternoon. Tomorrow after work I will start rolling them...they take forever to do, but my husband likes them and I give a lot away.

Re: Christmas Preparations - How is everyone doing?

Marsha2003 — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 00:58:37 GMT

I finished decorating yesterday. All the gifts needed have arrived and just need to be shipped out which I'll do next week. Wrapping and cooking have to wait until I reach my holiday destination about 10 days before Christmas. In the meantime, I'll just enjoy the decorations at my house. Oh, I still need to write Christmas cards. I guess that will be tomorrow's job.

Re: Christmas Preparations - How is everyone doing?

AngelPuppy1 — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 10:47:38 GMT

@on the bay

Thanks for your interesting reply! I am glad to read everyone's thoughts about the holiday season!

Re: Christmas Preparations - How is everyone doing?

AngelPuppy1 — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 10:48:18 GMT

@Roscoe the Rascal

My, you really are on the ball! How was the party?