So I’m trying to steal as much writing time as I can right now. I know the holidays are coming, and it’s going to get harder. I have a love/hate with the holidays. I really enjoy gathering with family, reconnecting with people I haven’t seen in a while, baking and trying fun things, and for the last few years, one of Wizard and my high points is shopping for the CHP (California Highway Patrol) gift drive for Toys for Tots. For many years, all we could eek out of our budge was one gift. But now that our kids are older, we cut back on them and have so much fun doing getting more gifts for Toys for Tots, including the older kids. (Wizard and I learned young how hard life can be. Contributing create One Magical Day for some kid out there is very personal to us). Anyway I love all that.
But I am sick with worry every year over trying to get gifts for others, and get it all done in time. Plus I’m not a big fan of shopping in general.
Anyway, so this weekend is my last one before I launch into the craziness.
How about you? What are your plans for the weekend? And are you looking forward to the holidays?
November 21st, 2014 at 3:52 am · Link
I’m so with you on the craziness of the Holidays. It seems to get out of hand more and more each year.
You and Wizard must have a ball picking out gifts for the kids. Hubs doesn’t do that with me, though now that he’s not working he may this year. Most people forget the older kids.
Have a great weekend and have fun with Linc ;).
November 21st, 2014 at 6:57 am · Link
Wow, the Toys for Tots thing you do sounds nice. Thanks for doing that for those kids. Sorry about the love/hate thing. I totally get it, though. I hope you have a productive last weekend before the crazy ensues.
In a way, I miss getting together with family for the holidays. Then I remember it’s not all warm and fluffy, and I get over it. I do miss the Kid. She’s out doing her own thing now, which is good, so I get over that, too. So, it’s just Hubs and I – for the ultimate in stress-free holidays. He cooks Thanksgiving. I cook Christmas. TGD we end up with a ton of leftover turkey. Christmas, we have a ton of ham. It works for us.
This weekend will be… big surprise… writing! I rolled over 40K last night, which means 10 to go for NaNo and 20 to go for my own goals. Definitely do-able if I keep cranking away.
November 21st, 2014 at 8:43 am · Link
I used to freak around the holidays. Mainly, my side of my family making me feel guilty for not doing this or that…I’m done with all that. I do what I want and don’t make excuses. Amazing how much stress that can lift off your shoulders!
I love that you do toys for tots! We always pick two kids off the angel tree in our local hometown and set them up. We’ve always done that, even when, like you, our budget was nil. We also go on toy runs on the motorcycle. Every kid deserves a christmas.
This year, for the first time, we are staying home for Thanksgiving. I’m cooking and it will just be the 4 of us. My girl is looking to move to CA next year- she will be 19 next month- my boy will be 17 in Feb. *sighs* so feels like the last holiday with my “kids”.
November 21st, 2014 at 11:35 am · Link
Quite a few years ago, Only and Lawyer Guy decided that at least the holiday meals should be enjoyable for me. I’m one of those compulsive/obsessive cooks when it comes to The Big Holiday Meal. Turkey. Dressing. Mashed potatoes. Candied sweet potatoes. Vegetables. Desserts. Homemade hot rolls and cinnamon rolls. Their favorite part was turkey sandwiches and pie. So…that’s what we have for TGD and Christmas. I still make rolls for the family and for our traditional Christmas Eve meal of spaghetti or lasagna, and cinnamon rolls for breakfast. But now I just do a turkey breast, buy fresh sandwich bread, open a jar of olives, and bake a pie or two. It’s nice. As for presents…ugh! We have certain gifts every year, plus one fun/unexpected thing. I usually take one day in the middle of a week, get all mine done, use gift bags to wrap, and done!
Thanks for the Toys for Tots reminder! I need to donate!
November 21st, 2014 at 10:16 pm · Link
Viki, I’m sooo late today! Anyway, on the craziness, I think some of it we do to ourselves. But it’s just overwhelming.
We have fun toy shopping. No pressure too
Hope you have a good weekend!
November 21st, 2014 at 10:21 pm · Link
B.E. I’m blown away by how much writing you’re doing! Keep going, you’re killing it!
I bet you miss your kid, but it’s so true–when they are out living their lives, we did our job.
Keep typing! You don’t want to slow you’re momentum!
November 21st, 2014 at 10:28 pm · Link
Ashlynn, refusing to feel the guilt makes you my hero!
The motorcycle toy runs are awesome too. Love the stories I read and see on those. I think it just helps us all keep a little perspective, and I know it makes me happy.
I’ve done those small family dinners and loved them. Enjoy this holiday with your daughter — but she’ll be back. Really! Our holidays are changing as more people come into the family and we have to share, but that love and richness is still there. That said, enjoy the moments!
November 21st, 2014 at 10:30 pm · Link
Silver, I totally get that disorder
And i love that your husband and daughter care enough to remove the stress. You have developed a great tradition and I pine after your rolls every year.
Plus this year will be all about the baby!! It’ll be so much fun!