Life of Mine

Happiest Holiday Season in Years

I am so ready for Christmas.  I don’t mean that I am ready for it all to be over.  Usually, that is how I feel every year around this time.  I am usually so stressed out about how I am going to finish it all and how I am going to have gifts for everyone but not this year. 

I started shopping back in September, buying a few gifts each week.  I was buying mostly for the kids so that I would know that they were covered.  They are more than covered.  I have gone overboard!  I would not be exaggerating when I say that each kid probably has close to 20 gifts each to open.  That is both crazy and embarassing.  I enjoy giving my kids what they want when I can but I did buy more than usual.  I think that when you start early, you tend to buy more.  I have to say though, I did buy some great deals and did not spend a ton more than normal.  A lot of the things that I bought, I bought at half price.  I am a good bargain shopper so most things were bought from the clearance areas, or bought on Black Friday.

Today, I am planning on doing some holiday baking, something I really enjoy but haven’t done for the past two years.  I am trying to get back to where I was a few years ago.  I have missed doing all the domestic things I was doing.  Since I started working, I have been so tired and have really skipped out on a lot of the things I used to do.  I am still finding it hard to balance everything. 

Although, along with working full time, I am bringing in money and that money has allowed me to provide the kids with a great Christmas.  I tried to get them the things they wanted.  I am proud of earning that money and turning it into a special family event that we are all going to love.  I can’t wait to see the looks on their faces when they open their gifts and see them all on Christmas morning. 

In past years, I have gotten it all done but with major stress and physical illness due to the anxiety.  This year, I have not had any anxiety due to the holidays and haven’t been stressed out.  I am really having a great time anticipating the fun and excitement.  I still have a few gifts to buy, mostly gift cards but I will get them this week and I am not worried about it.  It will get done.

We are going to my sister-in-law’s house for Chuck’s family celebration on Christmas Eve.  We usually go next door to my in-law’s house but since my MIL  is still not feeling good, it would be too stressful on her and she can’t do that.  We have the kids gift exchange and everyone is set for that.  Then on Christmas morning, my family will be coming over for my side’s celebration.  My in-law’s always come over for that too and my brother-in-law and his family will be over too because we bought for their daughter since Chuck is her Godfather. 

We do a late morning breakfast with my family and exchange gifts.  It is nice to do that and be done with all the Christmas festivities by noon and enjoy Christmas day playing with all of our new toys!

I do buy the kids matching pajamas for Christmas, they get to open them on Christmas Eve when we get home from the family gathering.   Chuck says that the older two will not enjoy this much longer and I will have to stop buying the matching pj’s.  I will continue with this tradition but maybe he is right, maybe next year I will just buy Christmas themed pajamas, but not necessarily matching ones.  I also bought Chuck and I pajamas, not matching but something to wear on Christmas day.  He swears that he is not going to wear them but I will convince him to!

This holiday season is going to be special.  I am going to thoroughly enjoy spending this time with Chuck and the kids.  I still miss being home all the time, even after working full time for five months.  I am still having a hard time going to work knowing that Chuck is home this winter without me. It has been a big adjustment for all of us but without my job, I would be stressed and worried about getting it all done this year.   I am thankful that I have a job that I like and that has helped my family out. 

Happy holidays to you and yours, may the spirit of Christmas (or any other holiday that you celebrate) envelope you this year.  Enjoy this time with your families and relax.