The last thing my mom said to me when we left Dallas after a relaxing Thanksgiving visit was, “Take it easy this month. Don’t do anything you don’t feel like doing and enjoy being at home with movies, your Christmas tree, and your family.”
And I laughed.
Because I knew that the day I got back I was going to be immediately sent into a tailspin of setting up for Holiday Market and then working Holiday Market with hours that rivaled my former crazy event planning job. But it’s okay. I volunteered for that job and I loved it. But just like that, the first week of December was gone.
I came home every night from Holiday Market around 11:00 p.m. and looked at my tree that was standing and lit, but was missing the hundreds of ornaments that make it our tree.
Then starting on Monday night, my next Christmas duty kicked into high gear. Our choir’s Christmas music performances are this weekend. We’ll be doing 5 performances, but we’ve had rehearsals every night this week. Fortunately, I’ve had my days to spend with Hudson and catch up on the time I missed with him last week. The nightly rehearsals are fun and I thoroughly enjoy everything about it, but I do miss the freedom to be at my cozy house with my husband, son, and dogs, watching Christmas classics.
I am still looking at an undecorated Christmas tree. And now I’m also looking at 200 Christmas cards that need to be addressed and stuffed.
How does this happen? It’s my absolute favorite time of the year and it flies by because I (or we all) are pulled in a million different directions. Fortunately, my parents, brother, and I came up with a plan to make gifts for each other manageable and very inexpensive. So I’m not at all stressed about the gift-giving part of Christmas. I just need some time. I need a few more hours in the day.
I made some time today to blog because I haven’t blogged in about a week and I always regret going so long between posts. One good thing about all this busyness is that my sickness has pretty much subsided (except for the time in the day when I take my vitamin– no matter what time I take it or how full my stomach is). When I’m busy I’m just not sick.
My mom suggested I find a high school girl and have her come help me decorate my tree. But I would need to be here to do it and right now I’m just not home that often. After this week, things should slow down. We don’t have big work Christmas parties to attend so this should be it for us as far as Christmas obligations go.
Does anyone else feel this way this year? All I want is to finish my tree and get my Christmas cards in the mail. And I’m not willing to stay up all night doing it.
On Amy Grant’s “The Christmas Collection,” which is a compilation of all of her Christmas albums, she has a song called “I Need A Silent Night” and I hear it about once a day. I just think the words are so fitting for how stretched we all get this time of year.
I’ve made the same mistake before
Too many malls too many stores
December traffic Christmas rush
Breaks me till I push and shove
Children are crying while mothers are trying
To photograph Santa and sleigh
The shopping and buying and standing forever in line
What can I say?
I need a silent night a Holy night to hear an angel voice
Through the chaos and the noise I need a midnight clear
A little peace right here to end this crazy day with a silent night
December comes then disappears
Faster and faster every year
Did my own mother keep this pace
Or was the world a different place?
Where people stayed home wishing for snow
Watching three channels on their tv
Look at us now rushing around trying to buy Christmas peace
What was it like back there in Bethlehem
With peace on earth good will toward men
I have felt that way in years past but then realized that I couldn’t commit to everything and had to say no to doing things that would take me away from my family and the things that I love the most. Now, I have a better idea of what I can manage and what I want to spend my time and effort doing.
You are so giving of your time and energy; I don’t know how you do it. I wouldn’t stress about your tree — as long as it’s up and presents can go underneath, it’s fine. I’m sure it looks beautiful. And as for the Christmas cards, could you do a few each night until they’re all done? Even if you spent the next 10 days doing addressing 20 per night, you’d still have them in the mail by the 18th. And people would still get them in plenty of time before Christmas.
p.s. I love that song. So pretty.
Heard that song for the first time yesterday and was going to blog about it! (I miss hearing Amy Grant on Christian radio so I was thrilled when it played.) Hope all of the performances go beautifully; I’m sure they will!
I’m always happy to see your blog name highlighted in my Reader and I’m glad you can see a “Silent Night” in the coming weeks!
I totally understand where you are coming from (except I don’t have a toddler with one on the way.) I feel so busy all the time and I just want to rest at night. Not clean, decorate, or address cards. Luckily I got some cards done last night and we’ve had our tree up since November 14th. Otherwise we wouldn’t have a tree up this year.
Having baby #2 and a mom with cancer this year has REALLY taught me to refocus and not overcommit. This year brought difficulties I could have done without, but I am thankful for the greater lessons learned: I am one person and can only do so much in one day. I am first and foremost accountable to God, and then my husband, and then my sweet boys. If I make all of them happy in one day, then life is good. The other people, responsibilities, and to-do’s will just have to wait. And, that is OKAY! You are an amazing mama, a precious wife (from what I can tell)… and you are involved in so many awesome things. I love that! You know what? If the ornaments never get on the tree– it’s okay. They are just ornaments. And really, that’s not at all what this season is all about! 🙂
i’m actually so glad you posted this today…this season i just feel so busy it’s hard to even breathe sometimes! i would love nothing more than to take the time to just sit back and relax and enjoy the season, stare at the Christmas tree, walk down the street hand in hand with my husband looking at lights, and just surrounding myself in the joy that is the reason for the season.
I feel the same way. I got so sad about mid-week last week, because I found myself wishing the week would end, so I could rest. I *love* this time of year! I don’t want to wish it away!!
There are so many things to do and not enough time to do them. Like you, decorating the tree and sending out cards are at the top of the list.
I just had that the month goes by so quickly! I think it’s such a festive month that people want to see festive and be festive and that means doing more than they are use to…and really sometimes that they would like. I hate that it’s like that, but then I look back and think..well that was fun.. and sometimes I leave my tree up a little longer each year to enjoy it for the days & nights in December I missed sitting next to it 🙂
I hear you. It’s amazing on the Christmas rush can make you crave silence and peace.
This is the song I needed today. Thank you.
I saw your tweet about the vitamin problem and I was having the same issue. I usually take the Flinstones complete in the purple bottle, (because we both had the same issue last time we were preggers), but this time they tasted so gross!! But Target saved the day for me. They have their Up and Up brand vitamin that has exactly the same ingredients as the Flinstones but I think it tastes a little better. Check it out : )
I can’t believe that I’ve never heard this song until now. It speaks right to me today. I am feeling the same overwhelming feeling as you are right now. I just want to enjoy this season with my family. I hope that things calm down for you and you are able to enjoy your family this holiday season. You are in my thoughts. Thank you for sharing this song.
I would love to hear how your family is handling gift giving this year. I always feel like my family goes over board and over the top. I would love to change that and keep the focus on the season!
Yes! It’s the most wonderful – and most busy – time of the year. Our tree is half-decorated and my mantle? Well, I just unpacked a box of Christmas decorations 8 days ago and set them up there…and they’re still there. A neighbor stopped by and said, “Oh, that’s lovely.” I just burst out laughing. I have had to apologize to the babysitter three times now, as she comes in and I dash out, about the status of our messy house.
I’m trying to make sure that I’m busy with things that I enjoy, and fortunately this is exam week so school is almost out for a few weeks and I can breathe. Maybe. 🙂 Glad you’re feeling better, even if it is only because you’re so busy!
First, I love everything about Amy Grant’s Christmas albums. That song is so true and so beautiful.
Second, even though I get (a lot) of flack for “celebrating before the season starts,” I start planning for Christmas in early November. Get the picture taken for the cards, get them designed and ordered, take inventory of the decorations and where I want them to go, start shopping, wrapping etc. I don’t actually put the tree up until after Thanksgiving (my husband’s rule), but just sort of having a handle on things before the season “officially” kicks off helps me slow down and enjoy it a bit more once it’s December and my days and nights are filled up with other obligations.
While it won’t help this year, maybe next year you could go ahead and decide what size card you want to send out, and get started addressing/stamping/return addressing envelopes before Thanksgiving. Maybe even when you’re traveling for Turkey Day? I know that cards and a decorated tree are often IMPORTANT parts of the celebration, so they aren’t something we want to forgo all together, but getting started early may help the rush once the calendar turns to December. I also made the decision this year to actually schedule time to decorate–which meant skipping a small Thanksgiving celebration with my friends. They understood that it is important to me to have my house decorated, so they didn’t make me feel too bad about giving them the shaft 🙂
Enjoy the season–I hope you’re able to find your Silent Night.
xoxo,
abc
I have a son, too, but our agenda isn’t nearly as full as yours is. Still, I feel exhausted by the time the day is over. I couldn’t imagine myself expecting a child and having all of the priorities that you have and raising a toddler. You sound like super Mom! I hope you are able to get some much needed rest soon, you certainly derserve it.
-K
So my husband and I were just talking last night about how there need to be people that you can hire to decorate the tree. Esp at your stage-Hudson is not yet old enough to help or remember the fun-ness of decorating. This also applies to our empty nest parents who only put the tree up if a Christmas gathering is at their house (which is sad-my mom has not put up a tree in many years). If I lived in your town, I would TOTALLY come over and decorate your tree for a fee of cookies and coffee.
I’ve been feeling the same way! It’s so hard to slow down, especially this time of year. My tree is lit without one ornament right now too! Hope you can get some peaceful time in with your family! Amazing how busy things can get! Have a wonderful Christmas month 🙂
Yes….I always look forward to this time of the year, but it goes by too quickly and I’m always stressed. 🙁 Maybe someday….
I love that Amy Grant album and that song too! I am so glad to hear that I am not the only one with a tree up, but no decorations yet! I’m hoping to take care of that tonight, but this month is just slipping by too quickly. Congrats on such a fantastic job with Holiday Market — it was a wonderful event! Hope you’re able to enjoy some down time soon.
I completely feel ya! This time of year is non-stop! I hope you can relax some & decorate your tree soon! 🙂
While I am far from as busy as you are, I feel like this time of the year flies by also, unfortunately. I hope you find some time to relax and enjoy your family before the holidays are over! If I lived close to you I would totally volunteer to decorate your tree or address your envelopes! But, if you’re like me, it’s also difficult to let someone else do those things for you 🙂
Your post speaks volumes to me. I have a four and a half month old and work as a corporate attorney four days per week. This is our busiest time of the year. We love our family so dearly, but (and I hate to have a but when it come to family, but) my parents are professors and my husband’s parents are retired teachers. They just don’t understand why we don’t have the time to attend 7-8 Christmas gatherings with family while still managing to get the presents bought, the tree decorated, etc., not to mention seeing a friend or two.
And I’m just like you, I haven’t given anything up. It’s not what you have on tap, but I finished up my Junior League obligations last night just to turn around to host my supper club next Thursday. Our tree is up, but doesn’t even have lights on it, the ornaments are still in the attic, the Christmas cards arrived yesterday but the stamps still aren’t here, I haven’t gotten over to the farmer’s market to get my wreath yet, and the list goes on. One thing I have given up is hand addressing the cards. I have an excel spreadsheet and I just print labels. A little tacky, but it’s the only way I can get the cards out.
Oh, this post touches my heart. My oldest DD’s first Christmas was a NIGHTMARE. As much as I strived to make it perfect, I was miserable. I was in charge of the church children’s play and the entire town’s Toy Drive (over 300 children to buy for!) . To say I was stressed was an understatement. I vowed then to do one of two things: 1) leave and take vacation during the holidays or 2) volunteer less and do the Christmas WORK early. Since #1 is not the way I wanted my DDs to remember Christmas, I do #2. I still do the church play, but it’s not a big deal anymore. I quit the toy drive for a while. I decorate the 2nd week in Nov. I shop from September to early nov. Literally, when the Thanksgving dishes are washed, Santa could come. The holidays are still busy with events, but the work and stress are done. It works for me, and 9 years later, I wouldn’t trade it. I hope this helps. Jan
I SO needed to read this today. Thank you, Erin!!!!!!
Our tree has sat for a week as well, lights on, undecorated, box of ornaments next to it 🙂 Sounds like it’s a perfectly normal thing which is good to know 🙂
I feel the exact same way! There is so much to do and so little time to do it in. Before you know it, Christmas is over and you never had the chance to enjoy your decorations, family, or the holiday feasts. I’m actually feeling a little ahead of schedule this year, but I think it’s only because I am determined to have everything done well in advance of Christmas. I have to work Christmas eve and Christmas day this year so I’m forcing myself to enjoy the time leading up to Christmas as much as possible and just relax.
I hope you get a break soon and get to enjoy this time with your family in your home. At the same time, it must feel so rewarding to accomplish both of these huge and successful events. Thanks for sharing this beautiful and very appropriate song!
It’s so easy to get caught up in the rush of the holidays. It seems as though there is always “this and that” that needs to be completed. I think we all over do it a little! Try to make some time for your silent night. You won’t regret it and there are no “do overs” in this life so make that time for you and your family. Christmas is the most beautiful time of the year. You should definitely take a moment to enjoy it! On a side note, I love Amy Grant so I will have to check out the track. Thanks!
Hi Erin, This year, I’ve had something slow me down..reminiscent of 7 yrs a go! 7 yrs a go, a week before Christmas, I was diagnosed with bladder cancer! I ended up having my 1st surgery to have the tumor removed on CHRISTMAS EVE! SIGH! & had to have a stent put in which caused a LOT of extra pain so instead of day surgery & soreness for Christmas day, I was IN the hospital on pain meds, feeling very sick and still reeling from the “C” word diagnosis! What a year that was! Well, after 7 yrs of fighting it, and finally having gone 4 years without a recurrence, after having many; I was just at the point where this was my last 6 month appt. to have the cystoscopy done. If this one was clear & I was still in remission, then we would go to yearly cystoscopies & checkups!
Well, the cancer is back. I have another smallish tumor near where the kidney empties into the bladder. There is the possibility of having the stent again, because the wound will be close to that opening & they don’t want it healing closed! UGH! But the doc is hoping not.. We won’t know how aggressive or what grade this tumor is until its taken out, and sent off.
My surgery is scheduled on Monday, December 13th, at 8 am! A WEEK before Christmas! DOUBLE SIGH! So that has slowed down our activity except for appts. for preop stuff..and one today for an IVP xray to make sure the cancer hasn’t spread.
I know this seems like a bummer..but I am so thankful to the Lord because the doctor almost scheduled me for my 1st yearly visit, at the last 6 mo. appt. Just think, if he had done that, I would have gone another 6 mos. and that would not have been good. Also, I have had some other health problems that caused me to move THIS appt. up about 2 months, as it is small, maybe we wouldn’t have seen it yet, 2 months a go! and then he WOULD have scheduled the next appt. for 12 months! So I can already see God’s Hand in this, and how He is taking care of me. God does all things well, I know that I can trust Him completely and I am so thankful for that in times like this!
When you all are going through your Christmas activities, make sure you take them ALL in for me! Ok?
and hopefully, by Christmas eve and day, I will at least feel like being up and enjoying my family! That’s the best thing of all anyway!
Love to you and Merry Christmas, Lynn PS.. Your prayers would be so much to me!!!!
With our new little one, it took us 2 weeks to get the decorations up and ornaments on the tree. It seems that we get half as much done and twice the amount of time these days! My Christmas cards are still sitting on the desk, too, waiting to be stuffed. And to make things even crazier, I am going back to work on Monday (right in the middle of holiday season) after being out for maternity life. You’ll get it done…some way, some how! Good luck!
All you do is complain about how you are so busy- your blog used to be interesting.
I think we have to remember this time of year to do things because we WANT to do them, not because we feel obligated because we are trying to make someone else happy or impress someone else. It’s a hard thing to do and hard to determine exactly why we do some of the things we do – I love to decorate a tree – not because I want someone else to see it – but because it’s tradition to me. But this year, I’ve yet to decorate the outside of my house and I may just not get to it – but that’s ok, the world will keep turning and no one will think less of me come January 1!
BTW – my husband’s aunt hires me every year to decorate her tree! She pays me and makes us dinner every year the first of December. I would love to do that around the holidays for people!
I TOTALLY hear you here. I finally got my tree decorated last night & I was exhausted by the time I got it done. I’ve been too busy to get it done, too. Let us locals know if we can help you in any way…
Erin,
Love your post (as usual). Have to say, though, that I mentally tripped over the *200* holiday cards — I just counted ours this morning and thought, oh, I’ll order about 50? Ha!!! That’s okay, you’re a popular chickie and lots of people love you and your sweet family.
We’re getting the tree decorated tonight; it’s been sitting there waiting for ornaments, too.
And a hearty “Amen, Sister!” for saying “Merry Christmas.” I do, too. I hate “Happy Holidays.” I actually find politically correct terminology to be offensive, not the other way around! 🙂
Becky
p.s. Please let your friend Lynn (commenter above) know that I would like to pray for her, too. There’s nothing like illness to put life into perspective. I hate that she’s suffering right now. I don’t know her, but she sounds very sweet and I’d like to say a prayer on her behalf!
p.s.s. To your “Anonymous” commenter above: Leave Erin alone. For heaven’s sake, if her blog doesn’t interest you, stop reading and definitely stop commenting. Why would you want to be venomous to someone who never did anything to you?
(Erin, nothing gets my back up faster than the haters out there. Please ignore this person. Plenty of us love your blog and find you very interesting.)
I wanna slap some people today 🙂 haha!
You are a hard working mom and the fact that you give so much of yourself during a time of year that is so buys shows what a wonderful person you are. 🙂
I can’t believe you have 200 cards to send! Do you make a point to send one to every single person you know? or do you send then to TC’s clients too? I thought I was spending a chunk of change, and I only have about 50!!
Hang in there!
Love your blog and with this post I couldn’t help but to feel your pain and I don’t even have children yet. This year is far busier than last year and I too had a holiday shop that pulled me in every direction last week. At least you have your Christmas cards to address. We have yet to even order them my husband and I have both been so pulled that we haven’t had time to create them! Best wishes for a fun, relaxing, restful remainder to the holiday season for you and your family.