Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Sometimes, I Set Myself Up to Fail at the Holidays.

Do you ever feel like to aim to overachieve around the holidays? To add just a few more decorations than last year, buy just one more stocking stuffer for your husband/dog/kids, and agree to one too many holiday parties? 

I think my friend Mandy said it best today: 'I swear my brain doesn't function on full capacity at all in December, so bits and pieces is all I can muster today.'

Could it be true? Is there a part of our brains that gets overloaded and just stops working during the month of December? That must be what has happened to me these last two weeks since Thanksgiving. Or at least, that is what I'm telling myself so I don't feel like a complete failure. 

Sure, my house is decorated, and you can see the candles and tree shining from our windows each night. I even finished my Christmas shopping a little early this year, but it's not helping me feel any more accomplished. 

The reality is that I haven't plucked my eyebrows in weeks, and it's driving me bonkers. My home office has turned into the North Pole with unwrapped gifts strewn all over the floor. We have our first family Christmas celebration on Saturday and I still have to wrap, bake, cook and find something to wear. 

This is a big year for us. We are hosting most of my family for Christmas the weekend before the big day. I am over the moon ecstatic to have my family at our home this year. But, where will everyone sleep? Do we have enough food, coffee, gifts, towels, etc? I so wish I could be one of those women that creates personalized welcome baskets for her guests. Maybe some day

So, if I'm a little scant over these next few weeks, please forgive me as I am probably buried in wrapping paper or wrapped up in my holiday haze.

6 comments:

Unknown said...

It is nice to hear I'm not alone! Even when I pair things down the bare minimum, I always feel overwhelmed still. Guess it's normal for this time of year!

I've hosted Skip's family for Christmas dinner the past few years. My advice? Take a lot of deep breaths and if you need a minute to yourself, lock yourself in the bathroom, or busy yourself doing dishes:) Good luck! I'm sure it will be amazing!

Unknown said...

I can completely relate! Last year I was a wreck planning a surprise party for my husband and a bachelorette party for my best friend that I finished what felt like NONE of my Christmas goals.
This year I wanted to be super organized and have everything done ahead of time. Well now my shopping is done and the house is decorated, but cards, yup those just aren't going to happen. It's always something!

Anna @ The Things I'm Learning said...

I totally understand how you feel! Sometimes I feel like I focus so much on getting things done and doing special things that I don't enjoy the season as much as I'd like.

Adventures in Mommyhood said...

I think many of us feel the exact same way!! Try not to stress (I know, easier said than done :)), and just enjoy your days. Things will get done and everything will fall into place. Have a great time with your family! Don't stress! (Maybe if I say it twice it'll help!)

Claire Kiefer said...

You sound like you're much more prepared than most of us! I don't think it's possible to feel totally ready for the holidays, no matter what you do. But I'm certain your family will be impressed!

Karla said...

Wow! I can see your overwhelmed, but you'll make it happen! We've all been there. Rooting for ya girl! =)