Overwhelmed

Overwhelmed. That pretty much sums me up right now.

It's the same way every year.

So much to do. So little time.

Things I want to do vs. things I have to do.

There are gifts to make, gingerbread houses to build, cookies to bake and decorate, candy to make, cards to write, shopping, wrapping, tying....The list seems endless.

I love doing all of that stuff and more.

But being Mrs. Claus is a full time job. And my elves can only help so much.

Blog Land compounds the problem. I see the pictures: perfectly decked out houses, beautiful baked goods, handmade gifts that look like they took hours. Afternoons spent making ornaments with the kids. Volunteering. Crafting. Caroling.

Again, the list seems endless.

I want to make oodles of festive things: a tree skirt, stockings for the family, a Christmas quilt , an advent calendar, decorations and ornaments, a Christmas banner, pom-pom garland....

The list seems endless.

But what ends up happening? I get caught up in it all, and I don't enjoy the season.

That is oh so Grinch-y.

So this year I am going to sit back in my rocker and pare it down.

I am going to do what I can do.

I'll craft what I can craft. Gift cards will be my safety net.

We will make do with our same old tree skirt and lame stockings. Santa and his elves could care less.

Advent calendars, Christmas quilts, and banners will be put on next year's to do list.

I'll bake our favorites. Nothing wrong with sticking to the tried and true.

I will really try to make that pom-pom garland. But if I don't get to it I will not feel bad.

I will stop trying to keep up with the Blog Land Joneses. It's an exercise in futility.

And above all else...

I will enjoy the season more.