Online I keep seeing a lot of people commenting about the elusive “Christmas Spirit.” On Facebook a friend is posting an update about not having the Christmas Spirit while another friend comments about the lack of Christmas Spirit seen in people while shopping. For myself- as a Mom of five children, the Christmas Spirit means that overwhelming feeling of anxiety in preparation of that one big day of the year.
It (the feeling of high anxiety- from here on referred to as Christmas Spirit) starts about right now mid December and lasts until Christmas Day- finally dissipating at about 4:30pm December 25th. Up until then I will have checked my Christmas list at least 100 times. Logged in about 30 shopping hours and then wrapped at the very least 50 or more gift items. I will have bought in exact numbers of five, various chocolates and yick-yacks to go into stockings and will have to make sure it is all done equitably. Santa (and Mom) does not play favorites- no matter who has been the naughtiest. This year I can say without a doubt it’s been little Julian who is two. I will have made at least 10 pounds of fudge and other confectionery delights. We will put on at least 2 or 3 “special” family dinners hosted here at Gartner Manor. There will be various extra Christmas school and church activities and along with them the extra pleas for money or gifts of time from school and church.
Everyday in my head I will wage a small battle between what is important and what really doesn’t matter. Will the children notice if I string holly in the living room? Will anyone notice if I forget to buy three different kinds of pickles? Can I get by with the cheap chocolate Santa Claus’ that taste like wax? Does the cat really need a gift under the tree?
You’re probably wondering what this all has to do with vintage or blogging? In an effort to retain my sanity this time of year- I will be blogging even more sporadically then I already do. In fact until January 1st you will probably just see me on here to add a video of something vintage snagged from youtube or just a shameless plug for my ETSY store. I will still be visiting my favorite blogs and commenting, but my comments will probably be even less coherent then they already are…
Have a wonderful Christmas with your family and don’t be discouraged if you don’t have the Christmas Spirit… for some it’s better that way. I leave you with Judy Garland singing Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. I love how the beginning of the segment features a plug for cold pills… anyway have yourself a merry little Christmas. “Little” as in simple- is in this year.
I think most bloggers are in the same boat at the moment… at the very least, I am! I don’t know how you’re managing with five kids as well – I’m rushed off my feet without any of my own! I have enormous respect for parents all the time, but at this time of year, I really feel it. Merry Christmas!
Ohh not all parents are suffering- my husband does virtually nothing when it comes to the holidays. Don’t get me wrong he does a lot, he cooks almost every night and cleans the kitchen too. He also does all our laundry and the majority of grocery shipping and errands… however as far as Christams goes he does our cooking but does NOT do cards, shopping, or planning at all. That’s what makes Christmas crazy is all the planning and working on getting the perfect ambiance. Pblapht!
Oh well Merry Christmas to you Jenny and a Happy New Decade too.
I’m there, too. I’ve only managed two posts in December thusfar.
I hadn’t really been feeling the Christmas spirit this year, either, until I went shopping (for the first time) Monday night. Guess I just needed to get out and see the crowds, hear the music, and feel the cold. Now I’m fully ensconsed.
Hey Bone- I am pretty excited now, my Mom flies in from Denver on the 23rd and now that is officially less then a week away.
I hate shopping, but I walked to the grocery store the other night when it wasn’t 50 below and I have to say all the lights and the new snow made everything seem really festive.
Yeah, The Christmas Spirit = Total Stress & Anxiety. As a mother of FIVE you REALLY must have your hands full! Hang in there!
And, don’t worry, most bloggers wont be around much until after the New Year.
xoxo
Thanks Meleah and I am glad to see you up and about the internet. Hugs!
I think I have seen more than the usual number of people on facebook saying they are just not feeling it this year when talking about Christmas. But I think you described the Christmas spirit pretty well. I think we are pushed too hard to try and have the “perfect” holiday and we need to go easier on ourselves so we can relax, reflect, and enjoy, instead of worrying about decking the halls and supporting the malls.
Hugs to you!!!
Thanks Teeni- the older I get the more I know the pursuit of perfection is not a pleasant pursuit… it makes one neurotic. I just aim for simple and happy.