I stayed up till 2:00 am reading Silver and Blood by Jessie Mihalik. It is an amazing book. This is your official warning that once it goes on sale, I’m going to write a long post obsessing over it. I can’t really talk about it, because the manuscript was given to me in confidence, but romantic fantasy, kind-of-fae, best heroine, loved the hero, smoking hot chemistry, deadly yet cozy somehow, I mean just beautifully done. Loved it to pieces. Also award for the best wolf monster ever.
It was so vivid and lush and just chef’s kiss.
I’m super tired now, and I have a book hangover. I have done nothing today, John Snow.
I am also epic fail on other fronts. Christmas tree is not up. Presents are not wrapped. Laundry not folded. Cardigan not finished. Menu for the Christmas dinner not planned and relevant protein not purchased. I’ve been playing Enshrouded, and Balthazar the Alchemist has been very vocal about my inability to find him a pet cat.
I need to get myself in gear. I need to clean the house, write some bonus scenes for Maggie, and then hopefully my brain will unclench enough to jump into Hugh and Elara 2. I need to achieve the state of capable readiness. Right now I’m in a state of warm Jell-O.
How are your holiday preparations going?
The tree is up. There are no decorations or lights yet. That’s about it and I don’t have the energy to list the rest of the list. Looking forward to a sing along night tonight, though!
May we get stuff done today! *clink*
first?
In spirit!
wow, look forward to the book release!^^
no rush for preparation since already returned home~
First?
Book hangovers, yes!! We hung some tiny decorations on our hibiscus and called it Christmas Hibiscus. It’s ok to allow yourself to rest after a gargantuan task, even if it means letting some things go this year. Please be gentle with yourself!
I have done zero decorating but I picked up a small live decorative tree at the grocery. That’s it. I’ll be traveling anyway and it just wasn’t worth the effort. I’m doing ok on presents and shopping though, but need to finish it up this week. There’s just so much stress around everything this time of year – I’m over it all. There are no rules anymore, do whatever you want, or don’t want. People will get what they get, lol.
And now I’m so excited for Jessie’s new book – Polaris Rising remains one of my favs.
warm jello over here too. I’m procrastinating present wrapping, packing and laundry by reading this blog.
excited for Jessie’s new book too!
Well, this sums it up the state of my holiday preparedness: What holiday preparedness? There’s a holiday? Can’t be, we just had a holiday and I already prepared for it….
I’m sure your Jell-O state will evolve soon!
Yesterday I was finally able to buy almost all the Christmas presents I wanted, so tomorrow I’m going on another expedition, hopefully I’ll find the last ones. At least we put up the Christmas tree and the lights!
First?
I’ve been drooling over the prospect of the new Jessie Mihalik book since she announced it. My understanding is that it’s a duology . . . and am hoping the release dates are fairly close together.
I would be jealous, but that wouldn’t be in the spirit of the season, and besides, given ALL THE THINGS House Andrews has been dealing with — you deserve to read it early.
I’ve draped Christmas lights around inside my house . . . and that’s about it. I’m also drinking out of the Christmas mugs. That counts, right?
That totally counts in my book!
Nope – so far I’ve managed to hang a string of lights on my patio and prep my parents for Christmas, while I’ve done nothing in my home, with cards, gifts, etc.
Last night, around 1:30am, while trying to reschedule a UPS delivery to a day I’ll be home (I failed), I became rather philosophical about my total lack of Christmas preparedness. I decided that the only truly consistent Christmas tradition for me is exhaustion. I’ve already achieved that. I’m ready to stand around that tree and sing with the other citizens of Whoville.
My whole week has seen me do nothing. Right, now after 4 inches of snow, we are getting sleeting rain. So I am reading and drinking tea. Not writing Christmas cards, fixing a broken chair or cooking. It feels good!
My husband started blasting Christmas music at 0800 the day after Thanksgiving. Christmas trees and indoor decorating was complete by 1200. Outdoor decorating done by 1600. I still haven’t finished the Christmas letter for the Christmas cards.
Your husband sounds like my brother. My brother played Christmas music while I was visiting during Thanksgiving week.
I always tease him to play “Joy to the World ” by Three Dog Night. 😁🤣
I feel really behind this year. My tree went up late, and I’ve struggled with gift ideas. I hope my holiday spirit shows up soon. 🫤
Got the Christmas cards in the mail on Monday. Woo hoo!! I think this is the earliest ever. 🎄
We were supposed to move this month but it fell through, so no tree, still have boxes and piles of stuff to put away, and two half finished blankets to complete for Christmas.
But my week just looked up as Hugh 2, the Chicken and the Cow might happen next year. Yay!
But no pressure. Maggie will be a nice heavy meal to hold us over. And everything you guys cook up is delicious!!
Same girl same! The tree is not up, one (1.. uno) present purchased, a pile of knitting & embroidery presents to finish, and I think I may have a load of laundry to switch over to the dryer… actually I should probably do the sniff test first. 🤔 But you know what, it will all get done, I’m just over here trying to enjoy the “happy holidays” vibe. 😂
About the same. I got the tree up Saturday, but nothing on it yet. Nothing’s wrapped or mailed, not sure about the holiday dinner, just stressed beyond belief and so tired. Hoping to get something done today done today since work canceled (snow day), except it’s freezing rain on top of 20-inches of snowpack, lot of ice on every surface, and it will eventually change to just rain and 50+ degrees, dump an additional 2 inches of rain on it all, plus winds of 50-60 mph, power outages expected—and I don’t have a generator— so there’s all that, too! May everyone have a Jessie Mihalik!💜
it’ll happen 😁 thankfully the hubs set up the tree, now we just need to decorate. all the rest, dunno lol
I have to remind myself that I’m allowed to take a break, or do a puzzle, or make a decent meal and enjoy it quietly without working at the same time. it’s hard to give ourselves permission to relax after pushing so hard for so long! enjoy it, lady. ❤️
already low-key salivating over new Hugh, though. 🥹
I love your priorities; Reading, then readiness. It’s just basic self-care.
Like warm Jell-O, you just need to chill and let it all come together.
It always does.
My 15 yr old mini van finally died the last week of October and I had to get a new to me vehicle. I think something broke in me because everything now is kind of meh.
My daughter got some of the inside up when she was home for Thanksgiving. I got the tree up and fought with myself as I put up some of the outside lights. I usually have the whole house lit up but some is going to have to be enough.
As for presents we’ve always set a budget with the kids. They are 21 18 and 11, so there wasnt a lot of shopping to be done and we are finished.
My sister and I usually plan the meal but she isnt rushing me so Im ok. I am waiting though for my Trinidad 🇹🇹 fruitcake from my mom. It also doubles as my birthday cake.
Hope motivation finds you soon!
When our oldest daughter got married, I watched her do the in-laws-Thanksgiving-Christmas dance, and decided that I was not going to compete for my children’s attention during the holidays for the rest of my life. We moved our Christmas celebration to the first Saturday in December. So, the present part of Christmas is over for me and now I just get to do the fun stuff like going to concerts, enjoying Christmas carols, making cookies with my grandkids, and visiting with friends.
“Write some bonus scenes for Maggie”
👀👀👀
Is there a chance that Maggie would get a special edition with a book box company or a retailer like Barnes & Noble? Their editions often have fun bonus content.
We ordered an artificial tree for the first time. We usually get a humongous live tree but I don’t want my husband moving one. He has mobility issues but won’t admit it. I would rather have a fake tree than have him fall.
My only Christmas shopping so far is buying flowers to display around the house, pointsettias, red & white cyclamens and Christmas cactus. Any excuse is good to buy live plants.
I am so looking forward to Hugh #2
I finished graphics for my theme gift but couldn’t decide what to put them on, so I’m giving them printouts of the graphic and they can decide and I’ll buy that item. I only got them done now because I found a place that will print gfx on a matte board, so that’ll be for the hosts to frame this year’s family picture.
Other than that, I have a lot of items being delivered and I feel like I’m going to miss something.
To all–please enjoy the season and don’t burn out. As Dina Demille has said, you can skip Christmas and forget Thanksgiving (so long as you celebrate Treaty Stay). At least it will give you a few more weeks to get everything together. I don’t send my holiday cards out until January because it’s kinder to the post office and they become Lunar New Year cards–that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
I need to do Christmas cards. Been doing them for over 50 years. I have nothing interesting to say. Want to know about cataract surgery, colonoscopies, I don’t think so. Problem is we moved a lot and just keeping a few friends from each location adds up. I don’t do many presents, we just write checks. Baking well it is only one unmarried son, my husband and myself, how many cookies, fudge, etc. do we need? Tree is not up yet. Welcome to my pity party. On a positive note, we are at the beach, Hilton Head, until Friday so my procrastination party is not done yet 😀🎄Merry Christmas everyone.
Christmas? Bah humbug!
No tree this year since the house is still upside down from Helene. I feel horrible complaining, seeing as how I still have a (very damaged) roof over my head and we did not experience flooding which means we’ll get things fixed if I don’t go crazy first. It’s just so hard to feel festive when there are so many in the area living in tents or cars. I can’t shake the despair, which is hard since I consider myself quite tough.
Shutting up now. I wish I could just chill for the rest of the year and do nothing, but alas I cannot. With the edits done, perhaps you can give yourself a break. We can only go so hard for so long.
I have the tree up but just lights and tinsel this year. Been a tough fall with mom moving in, then in the hospital for four days and then home to recuperate.
Add in my eye issues (full depth macular hole! Yay!) and it’s too much to worry about putting all the Christmas stuff up. I do love the lights and sparkle so we’re doing minimalist.
Now I have to go and work on getting my in-law apartment ready for my nephew to move in after he graduates from grad school tomorrow.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m looking forward to having three generations in the house but getting there is work and the health issues don’t help.
I know you will find the motivation/energy/oomph to do your Christmas prep. Call the Kids to help! Have them bring cocoa or tequila.
All the best and merry Christmas!
My mom died on the 21st. Its been high stress for weeks. Her service was yesterday and I did her eulogy, came home and took a nap, then went to my granddaughters holiday concert and told everyone I was going to sleep for a week.
I slept in today. Now I’m working on designs for my Cricut for tee shirts.
Have to run to Walmart to pick up another weeding kit at some point because my husband and son are going to help with that.
when is the new book coming out? I love Jessie!
I’m so sorry for your loss!
My deepest condolences.
Hamster on wheel. Tree is up, house is a mess, children are in so many Christmas plays that I can’t remember who has what role to remember. Next week is my eldest ‘s son b-day, he turns 12 and wants friends over to our house. Only the cat has no demands in this house 😅.
The mini Christmas Tree was put up Sunday evening after dropping off Kid 2 at campus for Finals. Christmas meal is planned – nothing purchased yet.
Presents? Uh yeah, that’s why I’m taking this Friday off, must buy Christmas presents.
Blah!
I participated in the City Light Parade by letting members of my group show in my basement for lights and such to decorate our float. Now all of that has been returned and is sitting in boxes in my living room, all needing to be organized before hauling it all down to the basement.
I still need to clean out my front yard of dead annuals and leaves before putting up any holiday lights and it is raining.
The prescription I need is not in stock at the pharmacy and they don’t know when it will be coming in.
Blah, is very descriptive of how I feel right now.
I’ve put up my Christmas shrubbery, with family 1950’s vintage pinecone elves and small porcelain bells.Gifts bought, but not wrapped yet. I am recovering from a short hospital stay just before Thanksgiving for sepsis. Working 40 hours a week, and just wiped out. If not for re-reading your books and help from my sister, I’d be into rough shape. Give yourself some grace! Hugs to you and the BDH! HoHoHo!
Oh no, such bad luck! Hope you’re feeling better!
A few gifts bought, but all at halt due to broken ankle.
Get well soon!
Well, my prep is going better, if only because guests start arriving tomorrow. I totally get the book hangover, I tend to reread a book like that several times before I move on. And I TOTALLY get not being able to talk about the ones you love! Relax, the holidays happen how they happen.
Presents are purchased. Nothing is decorated or wrapped. I have another week of school. It’s gonna be a seat of my pants adventure
Don’t put pressure on yourself to get the tree up! If it goes up late then just leave it up until February. This time of year is so stressful with all the things that come due, remember Christmas things are supposed to be fun.
And the Horde will wait for Hugh and Elara 2, while our collective book hangover from Iron & Magic still continues to this day, we want the book you all want to write not the book that you feel pressured to write.
Tree is up, not decorated. Managed to get Christmas Village up before Thanksgiving. Everything kind of ended there.
nothing to prepare here just me. take your time Maggie was a big task which should a lot you a big rest 💚💚💚
Sorry about the book hangover, but I’m so happy you liked it!! You’re the best, and I appreciate you so much! 💕
I’ll pre-order as soon as I get done here. 😁
Same. No book hangovers, but weird life stuff. Tree not up, not shopped, wrapped or planned dinners. Bought tickets to lights tomorrow and it’s pouring. Christmas will come anyway.
Tree up with lights. All the Boxes Of Things to put up in the house are in the house. Outside wreaths (2), metal gnomes, doormat and flag up. Christmas silverware in, washed, and put in the drawer. The billionty Tervis Christmas cups in, washed, and put in the cabinet.
Most, but not all presents purchased. What is wrapping? Bleah.
It’s been a difficult fall for y’all. Edits ain’t easy. Enjoy the jello. Who needs a tree.
I’ve managed to send one international xmas card and that’s about it 🙃
All my holiday prep is flaming because Thanksgiving was later this year 😭
I’m finishing final grades for all my classes today and ready for a break. I hope you and Gordon are able to take one as well very soon.. The edits sounded overwhelming.
I’m excited but not surprised to hear that Jessie Mihalik’s new book is so amazing. She’s on auto-buy for me and it sounds like her career has been taking off.
Take a breath!
Other than outside lights on my deck (which I can see from my living room and make me happy), nothing is done. Other than that, nothing done except one batch of cookies, which I am going through at extraordinary speed. Nothing will happen as to decorations, etc. until next week.
Oh, one thing that has been done … annual message from my sister saying “lets not do presents this year”, … which promise she always breaks with practical “little things”, like a better version of a can opener or something. She doesn’t get that I have very few people on my gift list anymore, so taking them off of it kind of puts a damper on my holiday spirit. Last year I solved by writing up all the family and friends recipes and giving them in hard copy and on a thumb-drive. Not sure what I will do this year.
I had some abdominal surgery at the end of November so I got my small tree up and the outside lights on the house before I went in. Now it’s just wrapping gifts when I have the energy and resting and healing. So far this is the nicest, low key holiday season I have had in a long time.
Mini-tree is up and the box of ornaments brought in from the garage. Presents wrapped &/or shipped. And there I stopped. No menu planning, no stocking stuffer ideas. Knitting and sewing mojo completely absent. Warm Jello indeed.
Today’s not really the 11 th right?….right? Christmas may look different this year. Just a little behind…( racing to shopping mall)
I’m in denial that the holidays are even here…can also confirm warm Jell-O.
I live in England, so generally our Christmas trees seem to be up later than in America.
We don’t put up our tree until about the 18th December. We have a wreath on our front door and a light up penguin in the porch. They were organised last weekend.
I noticed last week when coming home from a hospital appointment that 2 houses were actually decorated on my route home. Otherwise no one had anything on display.
Maybe it’s geographically linked? The further you travel east, the later you put up the tree? 🤪 Speaking from Polish point of view, where tradition dictates that the Christmas Tree shouldn’t be decorated until the Christmas Eve 🧐
ummmmmmmmm
didn’t you JUST finish Maggie like Monday?
I think it’s in the adulting code book that you get a week before you start the “i didn’t” engine revving!
the dog is intent on eating our soft Christmas ornaments on the tree the kids are slowly decorating. I am waiting to see if the new cat aids and abets the dog. I 100% am relying on last minute shopping this year and that is just going to be how it is.
Hear hear! That was a huge slog on top of a huge year, I am fully in support of minimal effort before kicking yourself for not getting things done!
I’ve given up putting the decorations back on my desktop Christmas tree – the cats keep killing them. So it just has to go naked, with the built in lights. I’ll do something more exciting with it next year.
Well, the shopping is done–as of 15 minutes ago. And we’ve talked about getting a tree. Thanks to my husband the house is clean.
So looking forward to Maggie and Hugh and Elara 2!
I’m traveling over Christmas New Year so I was forced to get the presents for people bought wrapped and shipped. Other than that, nada. You created and wrapped an enormous present for everyone in the BDH when you finished editing Maggie. We are grateful. Consider completing the edits your Christmas present to yourself and everyone who depends on you. Take the rest of the holiday to rest. Or move the big celebration back to 12th night. The sales are great and you get 12 more days to prepare. I do that whenever life gets in the way of holiday prep.
That’s great idea! I’m in the states though so I don’t think that will fly with my family.
The duck is due to be delivered on the 22nd. My daughter does most of the Christmas cooking, and living across the parking lot from each other makes everything else fairly easy.
I decided to not decorate this year.
Sounds like time for a well-deserved Baileys in hot chocolate, listening to Christmas music, with your feet up and a kitty or dog keeping you company. Let yourself recharge before throwing yourself into the Christmas frenzy – prioritize enjoying the holiday over having everything just so. If the big tree isn’t put up this year, what will happen? You’ll still be able to enjoy time with your family – big Zen hug! You guys are amazing!!
Good advice
This sounds lovely: Baileys in hot chocolate, listening to Christmas music, with your feet up and a kitty or dog keeping you company ❤️
I remember finishing one of brandon sanderson books at 4am and experiencing book hangover next day. How is it 2 weeks until christmas? It feels like december just started. Hug you just need a massive edit you are allowed to be goo
Currently enjoying a 3 hr delay for a one hour flight. Sigh. The first leg went so well. Tree is up. Gifts purchased but not wrapped. Meal planned but not shopped for. Excited to see both kids at home this year. Just need to complete this side quest and get back home.
Merry merry to House Andrews and the Hoarde. May your houses be full and your nog spiked to taste. Giving thanks for all the wonderful books and adding Jesse M’s latest to the preorder pile.
Well… decorations are up, that usually only takes a day and is fun. This year it took long time, included a lot of dusting and wasn’t as fun. But maybe because I’m tired.
But decorating the Christmas last Sunday was more pleasant. We have it on the balcony so it don’t loose the needles so fast.
But shopping Christmas presents… I don’t have a clue what to get for everyone this year. So a big challenge.
But we have a little bit of snow and freezing degrees so the weather helps a bit with the Christmas feeling
Oh gosh! I am FEELING you Ilona! My daughter’s birthday is the 16th, and we are having a slumber party with six 8 yo girls, then her actual birthday on Monday, then somehow I will get Christmas completely accomplished in nine days. It’s hell!!!! But we shall survive, we always do, right?
Thrilled to hear Jessie has a new book coming out! I have loved every single book of hers. In fact, just convinced my romance book club to read Polaris Rising this year. More fans to come I’m sure 🙂
If you have presents to wrap, you’re way ahead of me, so you can give yourself a break 😉
Ooooo Silver and Blood sounds excellent! Book hangovers are both the best and worst – it means you read an awesome book but also that that book is done. 🙁
My house needs a deep cleaning before hosting, menu to be completed (hopefully my husband finds a Turkey today?? We’ve never cooked one – wish us lots of luck!), presents to be bought/made/wrapped still, some more dainties to be baked… yikes! But I have my trees up and decorated! How is Christmas only 2 weeks away???
350F, 20 minutes per pound, another 20 minutes if you stuff it. Roast it breast side down and the white meat will not dry out.
I tend to season things as the spirit moves me, so I’m giving no advice on how you should prep it.
Thank you! I like to season with my soul 😉 I’m thinking just about 5 hours for a 14lb stuffed turkey then…
Baste every 20 minutes and that would be about right. I use melted butter with garlic to start and after the first hour, the pan juices.
We stuff the turkey with Stove top turkey stuffing, and baste it with melted butter several times. Roasted breast side up, check to see if it needs a tent for the last 45 mins. (Oven 325’F). If u just cover it w melted butter(w included salt), the skin comes out beautiful and crisp. My husband never liked turkey until mine, and the stuffing is the best part of the meal. We put the extra stuffing that didn’t fit in the bird, into a Pyrex dish in the fridge and bake it for 20-30 mins once the turkey is out of the oven and resting. Turns out the turkey is the easiest part, who knew? Good luck!
Tree is bought, but not yet up. Dad got the outside lights up, so that’s something. Presents are bought but not wrapped and I have a ton of Christmas baking to plan. I think I have all the ingredients now, but planning it is another thing entirely.
Mostly I’m knackered cause it’s been constant the past couple months. A couple bereavements, car is in the process of being written off, horse has as yet undiagnosed issues, couple close family are undergoing various medical tests… so yeah. I’m still going, so right now that’s enough 😅
I was just about to jump for joy that I had missed a new Jessie Mihalik when I finished reading and realised it’s not out yet 🙈 hopefully it comes out soon!
As for all things Christmas tree is up but that’s about it so need to find the next gear to get going…
We visited family in Ohio last week and gave the teenage grandson a 20 for Christmas. He folded it up and put it in his pocket. Then it fell out of his pocket twice in front of his Dad. The 2nd time his Dad told him it was going into his college fund. Oh well, we tried. He didn’t seem upset by it so maybe he’ll get it back! We’ve recovered from the 6 hour drive home. Traffic wasn’t too bad. I’m making baked beans in the slow cooker with leftover BBQ rib meat. The 18 inch tree is up. Now that we are both retired we are only buying for kids. I made baklava in Ohio and we visited Jungle Jim’s in Fairfield,OH. All I need to do now are gingerbread cookies and almond shortbread! Happy Holidays to Everyone!
My partner and I are moving houses (moving in together) on the 21st. So Christmas is going to be very subdued this year 😂 presents will be wrapped after moving, tree will probably not go up this year. But! Next year will be epic because it will be our first real Christmas together ❤️
worse than yours
Well… the baking is done.
I just have to go to the Post Office and get the shipping boxes. Still have to wrap a present for the baby.
Xmas Cards have been mailed to everyone I’m sending one to. All decorations are up. One Christmas Parade is over, another one this weekend.
I’ll make sure to order it when it’s available, I love her work. But on a side note, I’ve decided that Sanctuary is one of my favorite Christmas stories. I’ve just reread it and think it’s perfect for this time of the year to be enjoyed again.
Thank you House Andrews for your generous sharing of your massive talent and Happy Holidays!
Not – nothing done – no interest, lost my mom week before Thanksgiving here at our house w hospice and just can’t seem to get into the Christmas thing this year. But will need to rally here soon as I have kids and life needs to continue even if painful …
I’m so sorry for your loss. Hope peaceful days are coming!
You’re allowed to not get into the Christmas thing, any more than is absolutely necessary for the kids. Be kind to yourself.
We used to put up our tree together on the morning of the 24th. 24th is also the main celebration and when Santa comes to visit after dinner. Real trees drop their needle leaves quite quickly so you can’t have them inside for too long. Now with plastic versions you can have it earlier but there’s no hurry yet.
Also our menu is the exact same always, the traditional foods that go with Christmas (ham & casseroles). Only variation is in the dessert.
Same at my childhood home! It’s always been a Christmas Eve thing. I wonder if it’s because I grew up in a town with a large German community.
As an aside, there was a hilarious exchange on a British panel show called QI, where the host asked the question:
“Why do the British royal family open presents on Christmas eve?”
“Because they’re fucking nuts.”
“No. It’s because they’re fucking German.”
Helped sister-in-law One put up her tree last week, does that count?
Was planning on doing no decorations but sister-in-law Two reminded me they (including two year old niece) are staying over on Christmas Eve before doing dinner at her family’s side.
Cue panicked worry over tree for presents to go under and where it can fit in a small London flat.
On a happy note tomorrow is Christmas jumper day, and I inveigled my mother to join in, so I got her a neon coloured punk Father Christmas monstrosity to wear 😉
I got my brand new tree up last weekend with about a quarter of the tree decorated with ornaments. I broke one in the process.
I didn’t have to do the “Christmas tree shuffle” since I have a revolving tree stand.
Gave my presents to my brother and sister-in-law when I visited over Thanksgiving.
Otherwise, I’m going to have a very quiet Christmas at home.
Give yourself some grace and mercy. Maggie edits are done, book hangover done, and everything else can wait a little. Hugh and Elara have waited for a while. They can be patient until you’re ready.
Wait, what??? It’s Christmas?!!?? No, no it was Halloween yesterday, it can’t be Christmas. I drove past a house yesterday with a huge werewolf in their yard. It didn’t have on a Santa hat or elf costume so it can’t be Christmas yet. I have no presents bought, much less wrapped. Y’all must be suffering from a mass hallucination, that’s the only explanation.
We have a three week old. I have blearily ordered…some kind of gifts for people at 2 am while nursing. I’m sure I’ll remember what I got people when the packages arrive. We did get the tree up as an activity for the older two kids. I was kind of sad I don’t have the time or working brain to make cookies this year, so I tried to make microwave fudge. Surely even in zombie mode I can do that. Mixed it, poured it, put holiday sprinkles on it. It’s been in the fridge for three days now and is still the consistency of peanut butter. Sigh. Le sigh.
The new little one is enough gift for all your big people. You’ll manage something for the little ones. I suggest you use the substance previously called ‘fudge’ as icing on storebought cookies/cake/bread/whatever. It’s sure to taste pretty good on your favorite cookies. And hey, there’s nothing wrong with the occasional spoonful of the ‘frosting’ when u need it. Have the older kids help decide what to put it on! The crazier the better!
Getting there. First grandchild just arrived home from college today and two more on the way next week. I decided to bake my homemade pork meat pie yesterday. I usually do it for Christmas Eve but somehow I just was ready for the once a year treat. I hope everybody is having wonderful holiday times. The whole month of December should be celebrating in some form, even if it is staying up late reading a book. That’s something I do at least every other week.
I am so not ready. Most of presents bought. None wrapped. No tree in house, although to be fair, its a live tree my mother grew from a seed, so we try to have it in the house for a minimum of days. Party planned, but no food bought yet, however main things ordered. You know, I feel better now! I am almost ready! Perhaps I will read Sanctuary as a reward (again) Love to you all.Keep well, and remember:- Self care is the start. Happy Christmas
Been going through some mysterious illness, going through some days where I can’t eat anything for risk of throwing everything up, yet still feeling hungry. But we’re having a holiday party at my house for 30 people this Friday, so I plowed through and put up all the decorations, while babysitting my friend’s 14-month old.
All that’s left is to put up the rest of the decorations that are arriving tonight, make the turkey, ham and paella for Friday. Piece of cake, right?
Book hangovers are totally worth it, your books usually cause one for me and I’m looking forward to Maggie- although from what you said it might be more than one night to read it.
I managed to finally decorate my Adventskranz candles today- halfway to christmas already but life got in the way…..
Do what you feel like, and if you don’t want that tree like right away, then it can go up next week or next year or whenever. Or you can even all decorate it together if the Kids come over. It’ll be your holiday whatever you do and I’m whishing you a wonderful time with wonderful people and marvelous food and all the books, games, yarn and tea ….
Put my Christmas wreath up the day after Halloween since I don’t have a Thanksgiving one. Have wrapped the presents that have arrived. (Haven’t even bought or ordered everyone’s yet.) That’s it. No stockings up or any other decorations. No menu planned. No travel plans decided. Nadda.
My tree is up but looks sad with about 12 ornaments on it for now. I need to find the topper. One of five presents was purchased. Grab bags for work are done. I need to order stuff for a relative in Idaho and forward my list to other people. So they can order stuff for me. I should finish up this weekend. God willing and the creek don’t rise. Try to relax and just do one thing at a time.
warm jello…feels familiar.
I have been helping my mom prep for a family party so my house prep is sorely lacking. Very little sleep last night for some reason and am early morning doc appt meant that after I helped her and upon arriving home I fell asleep on the couch…
there is garland to put up…and the tree has not made it down from the attic. my office is clean though, managed that on Monday. So I guess that counts. maybe, some of the presents are wrapped in think….
Happy Holidays everyone!
May your decorations be festive and the kind that hang themselves 😆 🤣
I am also “behind” but last night in conversation with my hubby decided this was OK. We picked a couple high priority things that we are going to focus on and leave it at that. 2024 threw some whopper curve balls. We are going to honor our mental and physical health.
Good for you. That’s a great gift for each other.
fall 2025 🥲
omg so much sympathy for the cat quest. idk what it is about the cats in enshrouded but the taming feels terrible.
Surprisingly, I am further ahead than usual! I probably jinxed it, but no big deadlines or major issues right now. Retired and loving it. Use to be crazy time for end of semester stuff (college prof). The stuff that you mentioned could be a party for decorating, wrapping, or cooking. Give yourself permission to do it however it feels good.
My brain stalled on “ bonus scenes for Maggie”😂
I too have yet to finish the tree, wrap presents, etc…
We always hosted thanksgiving and Christmas Eve dinners for 40 peeps. As the years have gone by and most of those people have passed its alot smaller of a gathering. (We also moved away) 😝
My hubs suggested flank steak, lasagna, and salmon w sides for Christmas. I second that idea, it’s the easiest meal to prepare and I know all my guys love flank steak.
I wish everyone a healthy and happy December. May January bring in an even better year. 🥳
I feel terrible. The tree has been up and decorated for 8 days. The cats, especially the Maine Coons, are loving it. I got rid of the flimsy metal stand and found a 19″ wide 9 inch deep cut tree trunk piece and drilled a 7/8 inch hole 2.5 inches deep in the center. Holds the tree really good. And the cats think its wonderful to had a tree stump in the house. The outdoor lights have been up for a week and look great. Make the scrooges on my street look really bad. Presents are all bought for and wrapped, but not under the tree. See above cats … Christmas dinner will be at the eldest daughters home this year, so nothing to stress about there. Have the food ready for our Christmas Eve tradition of lighting the farolitos and enjoying tamales with posole, YUM! Christmas cards get mailed tomorrow.
So here I am just enjoying “Christmastime.” Wish it was something I could pass along. Well, Merry Christmas, y’all!
Kevin
I have a wreath on the front door. Other than that, I’m shutting myself in my studio and painting. Zero guilt about it.
Well was on pace till we were visited by the “stomach bug” so everything ground to a halt and Jello is a five letter word (no flavor taste good for round 2).
Time to eat that elephant one dainty bite at a time.
Browse your markets online to decide on the proteins for xmas.. pictures might inspire you! I would put in the order online for pick up. then I can drive out, enjoy a festive drink from my drive thru batista, park outside the shop and wait for them to pop it in my trunk while I relax with said drink. no crowds, no icy parking lot to treck thru. Just sweet, sweet me time. 🫠
If they are free invite 1 or both kiddo’s (or friends) to cocoa and decorations night. putting up the tree with company
Unless you really enjoy the creative process of a well wrapped gift might I suggest a quick Amazon purchase of reusable drawstring gift bags with tags
ex look up:
Funnlot Christmas Drawstring Gift Bags 32PCS in 7 Styles
Bags are cute, fast to fill, reusable year after year (they go round and round in my family). And odd shapped items fit.
that leaves more time to think about the next installment of Innkeeper. (cough, cough)
Just completed a 14 hour flight from Germany —Still recovering from jet lag and a lovely combo of flu plus food poisoning.
Just 5 minutes ago put a wreath on the door and hung up a Santa on the porch.
May be all I do this year….
Overwhelmed!
Some presents bought – nothing wrapped.
Not going to stress about it…
Just enjoy the season and get what you can done…
Everyone will be happier if I am not stressed! (That’s my story and sticking to it )
Have a wonderful stress free holiday!
I have to buy gifts for my daughter’s classmates and housemates at her spacial needs facility. One person is both, which makes this complicated. Deciding what to get the staff at the facility will be hard, too. There are a lot of them and they are spread out.
My daughter is having a milestone birthday before the holidays, so figuring that out is also important. I have all the holiday gifts for family, but not a birthday present.
The rest of my remaining family is too far away for get-togethers, so no planning needed.
My recommendation on your current situation is to relax a few more days, maybe see a movie, go out for a nice steak or seafood dinner. Then jump into holiday prep when you’re rested.
Of course, that and all advice was worth what you paid for it. Be well.
Happy birthday to B! I hope your shoulder is better too! xx
My mom died on the 30th (she was 89) and I just put my tree up but haven’t done the baking, wrapped gifts or even finished Christmas shopping. it’s a one day at a time process. today we emptied her storage locker and then walked away.
Trees up. Presents mostly acquired . Out of town presents shipped. Home presents need wrapping but may resort to yelling “Here’s your pile ! Enjoy!” Holiday menu is not planned at this point may turn into a big taco bar . We did that Thanksgiving eve and everyone liked that better than traditional turkey dinner. Unless Orro is free to come over.
I hope things improve for ya’ll.
NOTHING is getting done here. NOTHING!! I don’t think there will be much Christmas here. Everything has been in freefall since the election, like, the amount of horrible things people health and animal related fails have been constant, on many fronts. I honestly hardly even know what day it is.
(Hugs)
The tree is up and a few decorations are out. Holiday doesn’t happen for me until finals are graded and grades turned in. I will be ready to think about Christmas on the 16th at 12:01 pm. Have a very happy, cozy, warm and lovely holiday, HA and BDH!
my husband died October 28, so this is the year without a Christmas. No tree, no decorations, few gifts with more thought than gift cards, no crafting. no Jello.
Sorry for your loss. Taking a year off Christmas makes perfect sense to me. Best wishes to you.
I am so sorry. Like most people I don’t know what to say beyond that, but I’ve been through enough things myself to know that saying nothing is worse. Sending you virtual hugs and warm drinks and hopefully tempting food and the understanding that grieving is terrible but important.
I hope you have many warm memories of your husband to help sustain you. We still, after 17 years, put up my Dad’s stocking and I leave him a note every year. He sent us one that first year – after 9 months of pulling out the coffee machine from under the cabinet to fix a pot every morning, a little card fell out from behind the machine. It was one of the cards from the flowers my dad used to give my mom and it read ‘Happy Thanksgiving. Love, Walt’. He died in February and this happened on Thanksgiving. Look for your husband’s love to continue.
So sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself…
I think the grief of losing your spouse is a hurt I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. You do whatever you feel is right as you navigate this season and all future seasons. Only you know best how to manage moving forward. *HUGS*
To be perfectly honest to the entire internet, I am struggling. I am just hoping to make it to the other side in sort of one piece.
Leigh, I feel the same way. Sending you ((hugs)) and hoping things get better for you soon.
I know exactly how you feel 🙂 big hugs
Sending a hug to anyone who could use one <3
Cool calm and collected here in OZ,presents wrapped, ham purchased, going to daughter’s for Christmas lunch, turkey and all the trimming , we’re traditionalists here , having an English upbringing, no matter how hot it gets and a gorgeous addition to our family this year I have a great granddaughter. Merry Christmas to all.
Warm jello has good memories for me. When I was a child with a sore throat or really any sickness my mom would give hot jello water to drink. It was soothing for the throat and all the flavor and sweetness kids love. Sadly as a grown-up no one makes me hot Jell-O water when I’m sick.
No tree here, either. No real presents bought. I want festivity and feasting with no real work. Sigh.
Been a rough few months, but still.
Thanks for the heads up on Silver and Blood! I’ll be watching for it.
So far I have bought gift bags. That’s the sum total of my Christmas prep at this point. My sister and BIL are hosting and will let me know what food to bring.
As of today, most of my Medicare signup and other medical administrative craziness is completed. Tomorrow I have to go to the Social Security Administration and try to convince them that I do not sell my house every year, so my income is not now, will not be, and never before has been anywhere near the level it was last year – the figure they use to determine how much I will pay for Medicare.
This is kind of hanging over my head, because by the figure they use, I will be paying about $400/month more than if they used my income from the previous year, or from this year. But I can’t check any of the boxes that would make the appeal effective automatically, so I have to go down in person. *Again*.
Hopefully I can get that straightened out in one trip, and thereby free up enough of my brain to get some Christmas prep done. Good tidings and holiday cheer to all, FFS!
I am by myself so no Xmas madness here, will be quite happy with my egg sandwich as per the last few years. Will read or re read a book or 2, continue knitting my arran jumper. Life is good and hopefully you will all survive the Xmas madness. See you on the other dide
HUGS! You are not alone outside the Xmas madness zone! Kiddos, grand kiddos, great-grand kiddos and siblings are all out of state. We are debating whether it should be peanut butter & jelly or chili with cornbread for the feast. We will read, watch some TV and read some more. Enjoy your egg sandwich (fried or egg salad?) and we will hope your reads are fun.
Your comment just reminded me that I’ve been waiting for Christmas time to try two chilli-related things that seemed too decadent for the rest of the year: chilli with cinnamon rolls (which US Midwestern friends assure me is a thing) and chilli with champagne, which I heard about in an old song from the 1940s and have been craving ever since.
So chilli with cinnamon pastries and champagne it is. Maybe on the 23rd.
Make sure to put chocolate in your chilli, to make it even more decadent! 🙂
Presents for #2 son, DIL and granddaughter purchased but not wrapped. We’re heading for their house tomorrow so it’s going to be a late night. Christmas cookies for this year’s gifts planned. 5 new recipes, no repeats from prior years. What am I thinking? Front door mat purchased and in place, no other decorations up. Oh well.
Not feeling the season but honestly, I often don’t. I hate all the hoopla and commercialism that has become the holidays. But I am not sweating it. If I feel like it, I’ll decorate a bit. If not, I won’t. If I feel like preparing some holiday grub, I will. I’ll listen to some choral performances of traditional holiday music and watch a few favored movies (The Hogfather is on the list). I’ve decided I’m not going anywhere so I’ll avoid the stress of travel and enjoy the day with my fur kids.
Hope you get around to doing what you want to do and that you don’t overdo.
usually I have all Christmas presents purchased via the web and delivered weeks before today, this year I will be forced to shop in person on the 22nd of December. I have nothing purchased for anyone… only nightmares ahead.
All you really need to do is breathe. The rest will fall into line. 🙂
Yes! My Christmas decorations made it to the living room, but that’s it. I have presents to wrap and cookies to bake. As we say at work, I just don’t have the bandwidth. Work is super busy right now with meetings, holiday gatherings, and lots of actual work.
Thank you for the book recommendation. I hope that you find the motivation you need to get things done. If you find extra motivation, please send it my way. 😂
Enshrouded sounds cool. Tree is up, presents are unwrapped, cat chewed my phone charger to death (the charger’s death, not the cat. The cat is fine) and we are having five more guests for Christmas as of today. I have no idea where to put them. And I gotten nothing done on my list this week.
Oh well, there is always tomorrow.
I look forward to reading Maggie when it comes out. You always manage to put unique twists on things that make your books automatic buys in this household.
Hope you get some rest and feel less foggy tomorrow.
book hangovers- those are the worst! also the best!
happy wrapping to everyone 🎁🫣
Not the best to be honest. I found out my husband of 14 years is cheating on me a week before Thanksgiving. Not only that but apparently he’s been massively deceitful in more way than one with our finances. I filed for divorce very quickly but I have a 7 year old with special needs who I will have main custody of. I haven’t worked since he’s been born and have a back injury, so not feeling the Christmas magic as much as usual. I have the tree up though and have my cousin coming to visit next week which is exciting. Upward and onward
I am so sorry! What a lot to deal with and then the holidays too. Here’s hoping things get better for you.
I hope your new life will be filled with honesty and light!
Wishing that I could fix that for you, but the only past that sort of problem is through. Someone who will lie and cheat to a spouse has no honor and should not be trusted with anything valued or valuable. Obviously you deserve better.
One cool thing I saw as part of a divorce settlement was the requirement that the rat of the day, beyond everything else, be required to maintain life insurance payable to the offspring and soon to be ex spouse in the event the idiot expired before the offspring out grew the need for financial support. It was also stipulated that failure to be insured at the time of death would constitute the ex spouse and offspring being the first heirs to the amount of the missing insurance whether or not the rat remarried or had additional offspring. Should the trophy wife choose to help the idiot from this life to the next she would stand behind the previous wife and offspring in order of claiming the estate. Equally if something else were to cause a need for an undertaker….
Be sure to ask for help when you need it. Things will get better, but they will go up and down a lot first. This was me two weeks before Thanksgiving in 2021, back injury included, except after 34 years of marriage, and my kids were grown. Some people offered much-appreciated congratulations. Losing someone you can’t trust is a net gain eventually. Put your own oxygen mask on first and you’ll be good to take care of your family.
We decorated just before Thanksgiving. We usually wait, but we traveled for Thanksgiving to see my son and his family.
I still need to shop for food, but the menu is usually family favorites or as requested by my family.
We get together with extended family on Christmas and put food out and then play card or board games all day.
Hoping you and the BDH all enjoy the holidays!
all the ugly from the last several years particularly this year caught up with me in December . I used to be good at distracting myself from feeling the big feels but I’m so emotionally , physically, and mentally tired that I’m playing angel from Montgomery ( yes I’m finally understanding John Prine when he said he could channel a disillusioned middle aged woman who was lamenting and wishing she could get out of dodge) on repeat. my husband actually in decades took initiative and made our Xmas card . the irony! our friends have been texting they loved our card and only wished they had it together to get one to us. I can’t even tell them the truth. it wasn’t me bc I’m that unmotivated/numb. then at times I’m so emotionally unstable I start crying randomly. after all this time I think when I next see my therapist I’m going to honest and finally ready to talk about what’s bothering me. it’s a Christmas miracle. I’m getting out of the nile and not the river in Egypt. I was this years old when I finally put on my big girl panties. starting Friday. the thirteenth. da da dum
I guess it’s only fitting since I’m born on a thirteenth and know many who are strangely.
Good for you. Secrets are poison. That stuff is better out than in. Good luck.
Not failing, just use a colored lens and change the view. This season is more than the dressings. No tree but a cozy family gathering spot. No menu, just pot luck and sharing your comfort food with those that make you comfortable. Wrapping is so over-rated, original packages with name tags, hidden like easter eggs leads to laughter and memories. Grab the towels, jeans and socks off the sofa! The cardigan————— that could be a problem????? Take care of you!!!!!
Our tree is up because my husband put it up. He’s waiting for me to decorate it and that hasn’t happened yet so it’s a bare tree. Most of our presents are wrapped because my husband wrapped them. I alternate between bouts of hysterical crying and feeling overwhelmed. This holiday season is particularly tough and I am just not into it. I can’t ask my husband to wrap his own presents so I may just throw them in a gift bag and call it a day!
A suggestion -wWe don’t wrap present – we use tissue paper and reusable gift bags. Less work!
Forget the house/Christmas stuff, & I’ll dare to say it, the book stuff too!
How often do you get a chance to enjoy an amazing book? Not often, I bet. You deserve the chance, like every one else, to enjoy a great book.
it’s still a week & half until Christmas. Plenty of time to do chores, & for the tree & decorations (Says me, who also has presents unwrapped & no tree or decorations up. I’m haulling my sister & the kids (adult) in this weekend for an assist. Brunch & afternoon tea being the bribe 😁😁)
Life should always be balanced out with things done for fun & enjoyment. So allow yourself these little breaks to enjoy leisure time.
PS for a book hangover, my seasonal cure is a lovely pot of tea (with a Christmas blend of spices) & ginger cookies 😉
Mr Mod R bought me a tea advent calendar, I’ve been having weird and wonderful Christmas blends every day, such a cheer!
(Except the day when the blend was peppermint salted liquorice – infinite yuk. I didn’t even brew that.)
Christmas preparations done? Uhmmm… what’s Christmas and when does it happen? (Asking for a friend…)
Wait. Two solid weeks before Christmas, and ppl have wrapped presents? This is not remotely the world I’m familiar with. We’re still discussing gift ideas. My nephew asked if we can bake Christmas cookies when we arrive to their house. Menu has been discussed with sis in law, and my bro will probably find a good deal on the main meat, some kind of beef. Got my husband to order the good cutco veggie peelers, finally. (He sold cutco back in the day, and I’m not sure if he still gets a discount or not. So his dept.) In the meantime, I’ve got one pkg I need to open/check gifts and a dryer full of laundry that stubbornly refuses to fold itself. And I need to figure out the rest of the gifts/order/etc. Also, convince my husband that we need to buy cute wrapping paper for my nephew’s presents. We’ve had the same discussion for about 3 years now, and he apparently thinks we own an endless Star Wars/Marvel/etc roll of wrapping paper. Headdesk headdesk. I made him come look with me last time, and he conceded the argument but I’m not sure it’s gonna stick. I need to get my shopping list, which will ugh, include new black flats for me because my (very) old ones now leave a layer of black dye on my feet if I wear them. I really hate shopping. Also, I need to figure out how to make my spinach cheese bites gluten-free. Tried just substituting the gf flour, but they weren’t as good. Maybe almond flour? Does that go well with spinach/cheese? Oh, and try the new med to see if this one causes joint pain like the others. I decided to wait until after Thanksgiving, as I was cooking. And so on… so I guess, I’d say that we’re all dealing with all the crazy. I’m stressed, so am back to rereading as a way to deal. And playing Clash of Clans and BG3.
(Hugs) to all the BDH HA and Mod R!
Being in a state of warm Jello sounds very cozy! 🙂
I have purchased only one present. I might have a holiday outfit and your post just reminded me that my mother has requested my signature dessert and I’d forgotten that I said I’d make it. So thank you for jogging my memory. 😂 😂
After avoiding going outside for two days due to under 10 degrees F… in other words freaking too cold.
I wandered out today for a heat wave of 36 degrees F…yay. Did some shopping at the grocery store and I am a grinch this year. No decorations are done and I am just gonna bow down to why decorate for one.
I already mailed out my xmas gifts to family and thank you free shipping.
I am a bit of a sports nerd and love to indulge in reading and watching the fun games. I am a bit hooked on word games right now … hey reading does increase my word creativity to solving puzzles.
The fear of January is in me OO
You’re not alone. We will have to help each other as we each can. (Hugs)
embrace the jello!
wrapping still needs to happen and packing/ planning lists are semi complete. tree is up but so far only festooned with cat upchuck (inherited cat, not one of mine).
i have made up my mind to enjoy something every day. today was easy – i took a letterpress printing class. love, love, love!
e joy yourgames and now u am waiti g for that book. books!!
Could be better! I have all the presents for one person, but nobody else.
We’ll be doing dinner with our son but no one else at this point. Might splurge on steaks!
Today was a blah day. Didn’t get much done either. Hopefully I’ll feel more in the spirit tomorrow!
Good luck on getting more done tomorrow!
Got all the presents, unwrapped. No tree or decorations yet, and everyone comes to my place. So cleaning & decorations are next on the list. I usually wrap on Christmas Eve, while watching the Christmas concerts on tv. And no I’ve never forgotten someones present.
Food is a twinkle in someones eye at the moment except for the protein which is in the freezer.
I was just telling my Mom and a friend how nice it is to get to the age where Christmas decorating can be as much or as little as you like. Because some years the whole tree is too much. Maybe do a few table top decorations. Fill a few vases with balls put up a wreath and done. You only have to decorate as much or little as you want and it will still be Christmas. Take it easy on yourself. You will be more able to do the million other things if you are not stressed about the small stuff.
You have no idea how jealous I am besides Maggie that’s the other book I’m totally waiting for !
And yep this christmas is a mess this year for me too
ooohh, thanks for signposting that new book. I’m with the house side branch that will now be crying out for that book 🙂
no tree this yr, which is probably for the best, as last time it was up, it stayed up for 3 years solid 😄
We are expecting two, two year old grandchildren and the relevant parental pairs for Christmas this year. The deep cleaning and child proofing has begun. The minivan has been reconfigured to people mover from camper van. I’m threatening to serve beer can chicken and side dishes from the pantry for the holiday meal as opposed to something considered more traditional (although the Cantonese inspired duck; not Peking, at Thanksgiving was well received). I had decided that the smaller group needed the smaller bird.
All good wishes graciously received. Charge!
If you really need a good laugh consider Christopher Titus on YouTube explaining what happened one Thanksgiving when his mother shot her husband…. About 6 minutes.
The good news is that I have all the presents. now to wrap them to take to the kids house, grandkids one who is 3 yrs, the second is 3 months rather have the excitement at their home.
Ilona. We’re all doing the best we can. Today I posted a parcel from UK to Oz. It has my Mum and Sisters birthday presents in it. Their birthdays were in Feb. This year has been a total organisation fail. But I got there eventually and you will too.
My mom passed away last month after a long illness. Her celebration of life was this past Monday. I am still emotionally flat with glimmer breakthroughs of happiness. I put up some garland for the porch and a few of the living room decorations. My son came over and set up the artificial tree last weekend. The ornaments are pulled out from under the eves but I haven’t had the drive to put them on. I will get there. It is okay to do it at my pace.
Yes it is. Take care of yourself.
Oooo you have made me very excited for the Jessie Mihalik book. I have read two of her space trilogies this year and loved them!
Around here, I have a (small) storage box that is labeled “small Christmas” and it has my very favorite Christmas decorations and a handful of ornaments for a tiny tree. Years like this year, where there has been a lot of family stress and we just feel tired all over, I only bring up that one box and it only takes about half an hour to put a few special decorations around and light up my little tree. Other years, where things aren’t as crazy I bring up the whole enchilada from the barn, including the big tree. But separating out my very favorites and making them their own thing has really helped me find balance during the hard years.
And hey, it takes a while for Jello to find its form, so it’s okay if you need some time to chill. 😀
Enjoy your book hangover, they are truly few and far between. (Now you have experienced the IA hangover equivalent when you release a new one to the BDH (heeheehee). To save yourself and your sanity, decorate a little less, wrap the easy way (use nice bags and tissue), do the tree in parts (not the non-stop epic overdo) and give yourself a little love and grace. It’s the love and grace part….that’s what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown. Enjoy your friends and family a little more and give lots of smiles and hugs, they are the best gifts. Sending a warm hug!
Celebrate what you have accomplished – you did the laundry, started an cardigan, and wrote a list of future tasks!
Oh, Enshrouded! I haven’t played since it was first released. I love leaping off the towers! I should play again…
Oops, that reply was for Dawn at the beginning. I put it back there, but if you could delete this one ModR that would be great!
My holiday preparations are not going at all! This year, I’m in the same state as you are, more blob-like than Jell-O. I intend to to take care of all things Xmas next week and cleaning now but we are already Thursday! Where did the tome go ?
Congratulations on relaxing and enjoying some “me time”.
I really like the “state of warm jello” imagery. I am in a similar situation of not finished or not started and deeply unmotivated to change that. my outside lights and wreath are up, but it’s kind of blah and meh. I wanted to make some Grinch or muppet characters to live it up, but that is not going to happen this year.
My tiny potted tree is purchased, but still undecorated, waiting for me to clean the mantel. I have done no prep for Christmas dinner. I usually hate the stress of procrastinating and feeling rushed but I just have no get up and go this year.
Ha! Epic fail on good kid front here… was supposed to mail presents to parents and sibling and associated niblings.
Just could not do the post office today. Nope. Not happening.
Stayed home to watch some appallingly reviewed box office bomb instead. Game adaptations to live action are always so badly done but this was next level. I’m talking express elevator to Satan’s sub-sub-basements level. Utterly hilarious! Laughed *so* hard!
Post office tomorrow. Or next week.
My Christmas tree went up Tuesday. Today I’m making fudge because it’s the only day the humidity will be low enough. Some cookies and candy will be made next Monday. I’m going out of state for Christmas was out of state for Thanksgiving so I’m way behind on cleaning and presents.
I’m slowly gathering Yule items. Most of the presents are bought, just not wrapped. Wrapping is a Yule Vigil tradition. Very slow on decorating this year. Work is….an evil, sucking black void right now that insists I plod through life like Ebenezer Scrooge. In fact, I’m poor Bob Cratchit with no sign of time off from Mr. Scrooge. Today is slated for more decorating inside and then work, driving hubby to a medical appointment, coming home and probably working well into the night to try and get ahead.
Sounds about right! No full size tree this year, still salvaging fabric and Christmas ornaments from Helena flooding. Items in various s trees ages of cleaning and sorting on lanai. I’ve got a tiny tree and some decorations inside and out. Finished half the Christmas cards, then instead of reading or finishing the cards I started knitting a small sock ornament at midnight. (Very fine fingering, size 1 double points) By 3 finished rubbing and started the next step. In my defense it is a Christmas gift. Tis the season.
Can sympathize….not even close to ready ! I agree with the alchemist ,finding a cat is very important . Time for bubble bath and audible book .
Have a very stress free as possible Christmas !
I am majorly behind as well. Dog with ruptured disk which took lots of time and attention as he in on cage rest and not a dog that just wants to laze around all day. My daughter had her anxiety (she has GAD) creep up and take over so basically all my attention time and energy has gone to them and I had nothing left over to decorate. Our neighbors have all gone extra this year with decorating and we have nothing. People must think we’re the Grinch family.
I hope that you get lots of rest and restorative relaxing the rest of the holidays. Here’s to House Andrews and the Horde having a great 2025!
No Christmas decor at our house – just don’t have the energy or desire to haul all the Christmas stuff out – after 60 years of holiday decoration, baking, cleaning, wrapping presents, cooking a huge party/dinner for extended family. it’s time to just sit and enjoy instead of busy busy busy. I do plan to drive through the different local neighborhoods to enjoy other people’s outdoor offerings.
No decorations or prep this year but will be taking the week after Christmas off and return after New Years. Did participate is a work not quite so secret Santa. My gift arrives next week. My recipient loves her F**k-It Calendar. She Would have gotten that gift whether I drew her name or not because it is perfect match. Our Library Friends group has a dinner tonite and I have the paper plates.
I created a batch of Washington’s Boozy Eggnog, which is curing in the way back of the fridge. It’ll only be 2 weeks old for Christmas, but next year it’ll be Phenomenal. I already drank the last pint of last years batch. So yummy!
Other than our tree, that’s all I’ve done.
I need a recipe for that!! I don’t trust the millions of them on Google anymore. Would you mind sharing??
That sounds amazing! Please share, if it’s not a family secret.
I’ve just done the bare minimum (house lights and thoughts). I was shocked when I realized it was 2 weeks to Christmas. I’m starting to plan dinner, but I’m dithering and panicked a bit about gifts. Is an ice cream maker a good gift?
Yep! When I gave them to my adult offspring they were enjoyed.
Holiday prep is almost at panic mode. I five more days at work with students and then I might vibe able to think. Have been enjoying my commute since I listen to books on my drive. Looking forward to reading physical books on break and talking about books with my son.
Me too! All that stuff will get done.
Well, drove 15 hours to TX after hearing Tuesday night that my 86-year-old father was having a “heart procedure” on Thursday. Managed to get the box of presents into the car, along with wrapping paper, dirty clothes, crafting bags (crochet and crystal wire wrapping), tools to complete a project at my son’s house, and clothes for both of us for 2 weeks.
Realized 2 hours into the drive that I forgot my favorite pillow. Sighed and drove on. Realized the next day, after 5 hours of “sleep” in a hotel, that we also forgot three major gifts that were too big for aforementioned box. Drove on.
Arrived here last night and all seems well. We’ll leave for San Antonio in about an hour.
No idea what I am cooking for Christmas for the vegan father and carnivorous adult children, and I definitely need to clean the house here when we get back.
However, my favorite author has foretold an excellent new book by an author I already love, my eldest son shared that he and his gal are having a baby–miraculous after his cancer chemo/radiation cocktail of his youth promised future infertility, and we made it safely home from the holidays.
We also drove through Marble Falls and Fredericksburg, TX last night, and the lights were lovely.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!
Congrats on being able to just drive on. I had feelings about the forgotten things and I’m not the one experiencing it!
Congrats on the miracle baby and the joys to come <3
I also am looking forward to a book of a favorite's author's swooning over too, after I very much enjoyed the last book recommended by that same author!
i am so behind and i’ve decided that’s ok. i’m scaling back a bit, there will be some decorations (maybe not the tree), and i’ve started my online shopping. This year holidays are going to be more about people instead of over the top holiday frenzy.
It’s ok to rest after writing the length of/equivalent of two books then editing that long sucker. As much as we all love your work, we love you and Gordon more. Have a cup of tea and sink into some of your happiest memories. It makes you feel so much better or it does me anyway. Have a blessed and Merry Christmas!
Please give yourself some downtime. So what if the decorations aren’t up? The family will live. They’d much rather have you feeling energetic. Take care of you. The horde would rather you were taking care of you. We’ll live without Hugh and Elara2 long enough for you to rest. Love…
I can’t wait for the Maggie release. Thank you so much for all the stories. We need them now more than ever.
I have been having a kinda crap year with lots of serious illness in my family and not so serious illnesses with me. Today, I am cautiously optimistic. Things are looking up. I’ve had stomach flu that moved to pneumonia the last few weeks and today, -FINALLY!!- I am feeling semi normal upon awakening!! I actually might be able to get out of bed. I was able to use my CPAP last night without feeling like I would suffocate. Christmas is at that panic mode of I have got to figure out where I am with gifts etc. Our whole family got stomach flu over Thanksgiving week, so the turkey and ham planned for Christmas is a now a NO GO, and I need to come up with something else. I am not the best cook, so turkey and ham are my holiday go to’s. Cooking stresses me out, but that problem is a little farther away than the need to shop and wrap. Getting ready to get out of bed and get to it.😊
Since I am currently temporarily disabled, preparations have gone badly. I did manage to trim the tree, almost completely by myself. Yes, I am unhappy about it.
The girl child will cook if we stay home. She doesn’t know it yet. I CAN cook, but it’s not especially easy with a bum foot. But I suppose the least I can do is come up with a menu.
Decorating takes too much time and energy. For me the sounds and smells of the holiday are so much more meaningful. The Holiday Brass concert was wonderful and I’ve been playing Christmas music for weeks now. My house also has smelled wonderful as I made my aunt’s recipe for fruitcake in loving memory as she passed away just before Thanksgiving. The house also smelled great yesterday when I made tons of Chex Mix. But curling up on the couch with my two bulldogs and reading a good book is the absolute best feeling. Reject the stress. Remember, it’s supposed to be Happy Holidays.
Mmmmm, Chex Mix. I will only allow myself that treat at the holidays because I will eat the ENTIRE recipe, then have to make it again for others.
No decorations. I’m just NOT this year. Two major deaths in the family in the last two months moved decorating for Christmas to the bottom of the list. Gifts for grandkids are bought and mailed, so I’m just going to relax until school starts in January.
Hugh and Elara, Hugh and Elara, Hugh and Elara… Yes!!!! I have to finish knitting a mitten for a test knit I am close to deadline on, not motivated. Have to make some newborn mittens I had forgotten I had promised to do. My Christmas decoration consists of putting out a Nativity scene, and that’s it.
meh IMO… less is more. I don’t put myself through the wringer regarding stuff anymore. It is freeing. My kids are older they appreciate $$ more during the holidays as they struggle adulting. I prepare only 1 protein and a few sides making sure I have enough gravy and stuffing and dessert. This year I baked only 2 kinds of cookies. Everyone has to eat less these days. But that’s me. My happy story. You have to make peace with what your holiday will look like and create your fine tale. All the best. Keep writing please, your stories make so many people in the world happy. It is a tremendous gift … Goddess Blessings! Peace on Earth! Merry Christmas🎄
I love Enshrouded, amazing game. That said, I HATE getting the animals. I hate that process!!! LOL!!! I haven’t made it fully into the new cold biome yet though. Had to take a break.
Looking forward to your recommended books release…I think it’s fall 2025. Maybe we’ll have read Maggie by then??!
I’ve done a small bit of decorating…no tree up yet…but I’ve been burning winter and tree scented candles. 😉😁
My family attempted to use our flagpole to make a Christmas tree. The rope got stuck, and we had to dig the flagpole out of the ground, replace the rope and pulley, then put the whole thing back up. Feels like there is a lesson to be learned but I’m not sure what.
Can’t wait for the new Jesse Mihalik, but I am SO HAPPY that Hugh 2 is in the queue that I came here just to make that silly rhyme. 🙂 I love Innkeeper and Wilmington Years but MAN I am dying to know what happens next with Hugh and Elara.
Also, rest up and enjoy the holiday! <3
Same. Take a nap.
Returned home last Saturday from Christmas Market cruise down the Danube. Yesterday I got the Christmas decorations from the attic, bought a Christmas tree, put the lights on said Christmas tree, and started decorating the house. Today I’m buying the last presents and mail out of state presents. Happy holidays!!
Only have the tree up and the wreath on the door. The christmas totes are spread out around the house waiting to be emptied or put away. 2024 has been extremely rough and I want to get it finished but I don’t know if I have the energy.
Give yourself a break. Everyone! I’m just doing holidays one day at a time and if that means we have hot dogs on Christmas, then there you go!
For f*ck$ sake, really. 🙂 Otherwise, I’d curl up in a ball and come out with the groundhog.
Yay, another Jessie Mihalik book to look forward to. As to Christmas, we left on a 2 week cruise the day after Thanksgiving, so no decorations are up and the only gift bought is an ice cream maker for the kid and SIL that was on sale just before we left. Kid is in a Christmas concert the day we fly back and an ornament exchange with my book club is scheduled a few days later. Also, I will be starting a new part-time job when I get home.
Same. So happy to see that I’m not the only one that has no tree or decor up. I have two Nutcrackers coming up one I work and the other my kiddo is in so I’m putting it behind me until the shows are done. It’s going to make a very hectic Christmas week lol
I need to put my tree up. It’s just a little ceramic one with the lights because I live in an apartment, but it will be nice to have. I also need to find a pine-scented candle, for reasons.
I start planning for Christmas in August, forget what I’ve purchased or made for folks in November, buy more gifts thinking I’ve planned poorly, and embarrass friends and relatives with an excess of gifts Christmas morning. I’m right on schedule this year but I really did forget that my sister-in-law’s birthday is the 23rd. Cue frantic shopping. I’ve also kept a list of what I bought and for who. Somehow, it hasn’t helped.
On the food front, I’m doing somewhat better. We’re celebrating at my brother’s and my contribution is a hot Christmas punch, gingerbread muffins, and a coconut cake. We’re hosting some friends this year so I’m keeping my traditional culinary experiments to a minimum. I’ve been assured that my creativity is appreciated but my brother doesn’t eat anything unless he knows what went into it. I’ve made him paranoid by presenting exotic delicacies in years past.
I love Jessie Mihalik. Good to know there’s another book coming. Thanks to the Horde, I’ve been enjoying TA White, similar genre and another great writing style.
My holiday prep is also non-existent. My daughter’s birthday was December 3rd and my son’s is December 18th, so I tend to slip on Christmas stuff until it’s ridiculously late and subsequently I lose my mind trying to get everything done. It’s a fun annual cycle, lol.
I wish for you lots and lots of downtime combined with the energy of a 3 year old on an extended sugar high. Let’s go! 😉
The Christmas presents are supposed to be wrapped already? Here I thought I was ahead this year because I finally had them all purchased before Christmas Eve! LoL
I’m so far behind I think I’m first. My mom fell and broke her shoulder right before Thanksgiving so I’m spending the holiday season doing home healthcare and doctor visits.
Everyone gets gift cards this year and Popeye’s might make my turkey for me!
I’m oddly serene about Christmas. I’m not really ready and I don’t give a hoot. It will come together at some point.
My company has given us a Rest and Recharge period of time off between Christmas and New Year’s Day. It is amazing. We get the time off without using our vacation or sick time. It is a nice gift and I’m going to enjoy the heck out of it.
Happy holidays! Enjoy some relaxing time. You’ve more than earned it!
I thought I was going to do more decorations, but I have a string of white fairy lights & some 12″ plastic snowflakes hanging from my patio cover, a fake 3′ flocked tree that I decided to leave bare of ornaments & lights, & a few holiday knickknacks around. We’ll be in Santa Barbara for Christmas anyway 🙂
I’m doing a mini early Xmas with my sis, and we’re doing an easy holiday lunch (great bread & cheese and my sister’s excellent cranberry sauce & homemade molasses cookies) at my house & watching a holiday movie.
I’m just about done with gift shopping — I need to doublecheck, wrap what I have, & pick up whatever else I need by the end of this week!
And I need to write out holiday cards and mail them this weekend, and early next week ship out one Christmas parcel.
I’m trying not to stress — every day I am enjoying YouTube 12-hour fireplace & snow videos, Apple TV Christmas song playlists, and opening Trader Joe Advent Calendar for a daily mini chocolate treat.
Wishing joy and peace to everyone
Outside is decorated, inside is a mess and needs cleaning. Living/dining room is full of wrapped and unwrapped gifts, wrapping paper, decorations to be put up, etc. strewn all over the furniture, floor and tables. Still have baking to be done. Going to family’s home for Christmas so only have a few things to make. It’s the best cause I don’t have the energy anymore to do it all. Oh, cards not sent. Im taking a break, where’s my tea …
Wishing you all joy, peace, good health, and lots of great reading!
I need another month! Or a gap year. Can everything just pause for a few years so I can prepare.
😜
Someone drop me at the Inn for a custom suite, good food, tea with Caldenia, and the occasional wandering vampire and I’ll be set.
Don’t sweat it. If anyone deserves a break, it’s you. Hopefully the fam will jump in and lend a hand with that to do list.
Funnily enough, we had a similar conversation today, when we realized that it’s only a bit more than a week to go and right now we only have some light outside (it’s only one long chain of lights along the balcony). Then we have, following the German tradition, an Adventskranz (Adevent wreath, made from spruce with four candles, and each Sunday before Christmas you light one more candle). But anything else? We seem not to have the drive for it. Maybe (hopefully) that changes next week… it’s the Christmas blues… 😉
Oh Ilona. There will be a tree, and a dinner, and presents. Probably even a clean house. You will finish the cardigan, write a little more Maggie, and IA will bring the dark beast that is IC2 into the world. Rest a little. Visit imaginary worlds built by others. You are just epic. Enjoy.
Tree not up, presents acquired but not wrapped. Holiday meal planned, everything but perishable items acquired, including protein. However, our kid and grandkid are in the process of planning to move into their new residence the minute the winter break for school begins, as their new residence is far enough from current one to require a school change for grandkid. I’ve been in and out of the new place while kid is at work, taking appliance deliveries and so on.
Much to do here, still, with 12 days until Christmas Eve and the big family dinner that we traditionally have then. (This allows me to not cook Christmas Day as we all just eat leftovers.)
Everyone enjoy your holidays!
Hugh and Elaira being at least on the schedule for writing makes me happy!
Well, if it’s any consolation, my tree isn’t up either. I have to shuffle furniture to make space for it, BUT, I also have to untangle the lights from the branches, because when SOMEBODY packed it in the box it came in, it was with ugly vengeance against (me?) or the job or something. I can’t open the branches due to how tightly they are wrapped with lights. It’s wild, and I do about one layer a week, because my temper is shot by the time I finish, it takes me 1-2 HOURS per layer, and my back hurts by the time I’m done.
In addition, I have to find a way to fix it to the bookshelf it’s going to be sitting in front of, so Hooligan aka Death Of Plants aka Dammit Graber cannot tip it over. Because he WILL try.
Cookies are in progress, though.
You can’t fail at Christmas. There’s no wrong way to do it. I saw a lady on TikTok last year who loves Christmas but was recovering from a lot of stuff. She decorated her coffee table, because that’s all she had the bandwidth for, and there was a place to put gifts. I thought it was genius.
I’M SO HAPPY YOU’RE LETTING YOURSELF RELAX!!!!!! RELAX MORE!!! Take the entire month off! Let the kids decorate and cook this year — they’ll love it … let them cover the tree with action figures and tiny stuffed animals instead of the usual ornaments. They’ll have so much fun … you’ve been working non-stop, and you deserve, and need, that downtime, relaxing time, rebuilding your energy time. This is Mercury Retrograde right now, you need to honor that, it’s actually build into our solar system … Merc Retro happens 3 times a year, and it’s built-in downtime, repair time, and you have been going non-stop … this is your “put it in neutral” time and let other’s take care of whatever needs taking care of. Give the kids free reign to build you a holiday season decoration and feasting. Relax, woman, you have built a momumental book, you need that relaxation. It’s not “lazy”, it’s just plain worn down, and you need to let your batteries recharge naturally, by accepting the love and fun your kids and friends will want to adorn your life with. Relax, relax, relax.
We haven’t gotten a tree up or inside decorations up since Christmas 2019. We have been renovating our house systematically and a “benefit” of 2020 with no one coming over was we didn’t need to clean the house between projects.
This year started with a pipe break in the basement just before we went to Mexico for my 40th birthday…. anyway after a great deal of effort with the medical insurance in addition to the home owner’s, we finally got the scan to determine that he had ripped/torn some ligaments and muscle bits and had surgery on Nov 1.
We have most of the shopping done and I’m working through wrapping things slowly because his dominant hand is the one that is immobilized in a splint for at least another week while still trying to wrap up a few projects I can do with him down one paw. I’m stubborn like that – but also getting those wrapped up will help open up a space for yoga endeavors.
We all Holiday the best way and we need to give ourselves the slack to tackle it in a healthy manner. <3
1. Take the day and Sleep, eat, self care, repeat.
2. Set your alarm for Tomorrow
3. look at the list you sent us. figure out the priority ratings and number accordingly.
4. inform rest of house that you are following the list Tomorrow and if they wish to help they are more than welcome.
5. Dinner tomorrow is takeout or frozen dinner so there is less work involved.
6. Stay off the gaming/reading/ writing for Tomorrow so you can tackle the list. once list is done take a nap.
This is one day that should in the end ease some stress, freeing up mental energy for writing/gaming etc. I use this method because my disability pain often gets in the way of life. It isn’t fun but necessary, since the anxiety of not getting things done burns too much energy.
Good Luck
Omg another one to put on the imp*tiently w*iting list. Sounds so delightful, too. I thought I was on her mailing list, but apparently not. Will rectify!
Decor has been done since late last week, except for the tree. I put it up but have been procrastinating for reasons unknown. Got that bin out today to pretty it up hehe.
I wish I could say the shopping is done, but no…… Groceries will be next week. My local organic store has been handing out a very decent coupon, but it doesn’t start until 12/16.
Hugh and Elara! I just re-listened to Iron and Magic this week. I still remember how surprised I was when I liked Hugh at the end of the book. Would have said that it was an impossibility for him to be the hero!
Have some fun along with working for a living! You both deserve it!
Hugh & Elara 2? Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
As for Christmas – I mostly opt out as much as possible. I love my family.. but… yeah. 🙂
I am being a slug, but not jello. I am getting things done on track. Just at low speed. I am spending far too much time reading and playing Candy Crush.
I am making candy canes with 3 of my grandchildren on Saturday. We did it for the first time last year and they were interesting. Hopefully this year they will be pretty, as well as tasty.
In terms of presents and cards, things are really bad this year. But at least my space is cozy and I am enjoying the decorations everywhere. No tree up yet though(will not happen until right before christmas here), am still celebrating advent 🙂 Sounds like you needed a good break though, so yay for having given your brain some vacation time, so to speak:-D
Not a single decoration. Haven’t started Christmas shopping. More cookies yet to bake. Must schedule candy making time with elderly mother. Work on a contract basis and just agreed to a project that has to be completed next weeek. Yikes.
Tree is up, gifts are sent for kids living in other states. How me made gifts are almost done andddd a migraine today stopped all productive work. Oh well maybe tomorrow.
You have presents?
I’m second?
The comments are paginated. You’re the second comment on page 5, or the 249th comment overall 🙂
What….??????
Christmas?????…….
The presents are unwrapped, the stockings unstuffed, can’t find the tree, not sure where to put it so the dog will not attack it. It’s only November right!
I love your post, they really make me laugh out loud and of course have read all your books, probably the one I am most waiting for is the InnKeeper sequel. Hope you do get some rest and have a wonderful holiday:)
you may need some syllabub to mend your holiday cheer. from my old Irish grandmother cookbook. Simply, mix heavy cream and the liquer of your choice and whip it up a bit. Serve over ice. optional nutmeg on top.
Hot rum toddy should fix you right up. Rum, butter, dark brown sugar, splash of water and warm in a pot. Add cinnamon and nutmeg to taste.
I love Jesse Mihaliks books. another book to look forward to, yay! And your going to work on Hugh 2, another day! i can’t imagine what I would do without books
You still have time, it’s nice you took some time to read for fun!
I don’t have to do too much, just bought last present today so once wrapped and mailed I’ll be all set. I still might do a late Xmas card, we’ll see
All those Christmas tasks will get done. If you need to adapt them do so. And enjoy family and festivities.
Hugh and Elara 2. I’ve been waiting and waiting.
Other works have been much appreciated and have kept the want for HE2 at bay but now. . .
Due to a work trip this week, I am completely unprepared for the holidays. I have gotten exactly one Christmas gift purchased, I only decorated a little bit of the outside of the house. I have spent so much time prepping for the trip, making certain the furbabies were taken care of, packing getting work done before I left that I decided not to bother with the inside decorations this year. Traveling (flying) in the winter is not my favorite thing, and heading some place colder than my hometown? Not high on my lists of to-dos. 🙄 Luckily I get to head home tomorrow and pick up the furballs this weekend.
People prepare for Christmas before Christmas Eve??
Must be a Texan thing.
No presents bought yet. No tree up. Planning on finger foods for Christmas. Waiting on call from doctor telling me when I can start dialysis. December sucks this year. 😞
The blanket I started crocheting eighteen months ago for my son is still not completed. The tree is still in its box and the gift is definitely not wrapped (because I’m still crocheting.)
We do have our protein in the freezer so I’m good on one front.
What holiday preparations? I have a bunch of Yuletide cards to write & send, but, I haven’t hardly started on them!
anything Ilona recommends is an auto buy for me
+!
Same same. I think there’s an unprecedented level of world wide collective burnout. I’m focussed on lowering my bar and forgiving myself accordingly, whilst simultaneously feeling a little concerned for those relentlessly beating themselves to achieve their usual extravaganza – everyone makes a choice and I realise on person’s poison is someone else’s nourishment. But the collective exhaustion seems real.
I miss Hugh and Elara so much. Their book is how I found your books and their one of my favorite fictional couples.
Holiday preparation status: A pile of chocolate has been gathered, but it needs to be bigger. Essential holiday drinks are bought and will pick up some extra ones next week. Two puzzles have been acquired for entertainment, so that’s a check on one tradition. Tree will not be going up and no presents, so no stress there. But all holiday dinner/food plans are mostly open, other than there will be chicken, possible oven roasted veggies and some traditional foods. . . ^^’
You are doing marvellously. Tree can go up any time up to 24th. Presents can go in pretty bags. Laundry can be worn straight from laundry basket this time. Cardigan. Now I’m assuming it’s for a gift. My mind goes back to gifts of my childhood and bikes etc that said “some assembly required” for the recipient. I’ve never understood why that as crafters we can’t use that as well.
You are doing a great job. Take care of yourself. The food will be great even if it’s grilled cheese sandwiches.
Thank you for the book recommendation. And thank you for all your wonderful stories. They are so good I reread often and always get pulled right in.
+1
“. . . and that’s ok.”
Read an article recently, one of those 10 ways to improve your life, and one person said every time they mentally hit themselves with something they haven’t gotten right or haven’t gotten done, they add “…and that’s ok.”
It is surprisingly calming – now my husband and I say it to each other when one or the other is stressed about the to do list. We say it a lot these days!
I’m just about to go to storage to get Xmas decorations and pick out a real tree. Doing it all by myself this year and I don’t have motivation I think my winter blues hit early…
i realized last night the christmas cards i bought are still in their package, and started on them,then i stopped to wrap gift cards, yeah i wrapped them so i could put them in the christmas cards, not to be opened until christmas. then because the christmas cards were too bulky i had to make my own envelopes to send them in….then i had to find and wrap the christmas gifts that have to be mailed, which i hid somewhere in my craft room ( which basket piled with fabric has them hiding underneath?), long night Merry Christmas
My place is getting our tree late, since my housemates and I are doing Secret Santa in mid-January and need the tree to hang on until then. Very excited to go buy the tree though; since we’re in the city, we have to go to this one place where these lumberjacks just have stacks and stacks of these awesome varieties. Pretty sure we all form some kind of crush on the guy who ends up helping us, regardless of our gender
Depression after adrenaline surge of getting Maggie done. After a few days of playing games and not having to think about “work”, you’ll be ok. I recognize how you are feeling because I just went through a similar situation too involved to explain. Now, after rereading five of my favorite books, not doing stuff I should be doing I’m back on track. Made a list and divided it into days. Lessened the pressure. Hugs from loved ones helped. Hope I don’t sound smug and know it all. Just I care about you. Consider this a hug from me.
In my head I am SO prepared, but in reality, not so much. I have to wrap things, make cookies, try out this nutella star bread thing, and actually figure out the ham for Christmas. Ugh.
I’ve got a baby gate all around the tree this year. I put it up & turned it on yesterday, the puppy pulled off 1 light & chewed it to pieces. I called the vet before I found all the bits. Because of this, the ornaments are staying in the basement.
Presents are bought, but not wrapped or sent ( though only 1 has to be sent).
We’ll worry about the food/menu next week.
Reading would be much better than chores.
the tree has been in place for a week with decorations still in the boxes. Most presents still not bought so wrapping is a distant dream
I have finished the tree! sadly most everything else is a bust. half the presents haven’t arrived, my ‘cardigans’ aren’t finished, only half the cookies and candies are made, the outdoor lights are only half functional and need a repair, and dinner? yeah. I’ll probably cheat with a spiral sliced ham and make roast potatoes. used to be 2 mains and 10 sides, but that was when grandma still ruled the family. I miss her
We’ve put lights on the only evergreen tree in our front yard. The wreath is on the door and the projector is illuminating the garage door with silhouettes of Santa and his reindeer. A Christmasy welcome mat and some tinsel on the handrail finishes the entrance. That took care of the outside. The only thing I’ve done indoors is to put the green on green holly tablecloth on the dining room table. I guess, I still have a way to go.
My tree is up, but it is naked.
naked tree, cookies not made, presents not wrapped, and somewhere, in some Amazon box,at the bottom of a stack, somewhere in my office there is a stuffed animal singing and I can’t turn it off….but the day is early? right?
List of tasks? Written.
Tasks to be completed= 14
Tasks crossed off by today=3
Revised task list= the 3 already done
Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays!
Thank you Ilona & Horde! I was feeling a certain way about failing at Christmas but now I’m just feeling like part of a lovely group. Will put on my Horde sweatshirt & maybe wrap the first gift of the season your honor while the weather sorts itself out (Here in NorCal it’s been a crazy day-major highway in Silicon Valley flooded, first tornado warning ever in SF, both of our porta pottys have been storm damaged and it just keeps coming. Ack!) —I did manage to put up the colored blinky lights on my porch & front yard, but that was actually to cheer myself & my neighbors up when Daylight Savings Time ended & we were all coming home in the dark. I think I will leave them up until DST starts again just because!
I have told everyone one that I’m having a Puritan Christmas. With that statement, I don’t have to explain anything thing nor do I have to feel guilty about anything. Some of my friends are even joining me. We are all over 65 with not much family left to us. I love your writing. I have a box full of your books that I reread until your next one comes out.
They aren’t. We closed on our first house in September and I was thought it would be enough time to move in and still celebrate the solstice with a tree and decor.
I bought new decorations for the occasions too. But nope. The house is 75% done and we are 100% cooked. Normally holiday decorating is self-care because its my favorite thing to do. This year not decorating is self-care. And I hate to do it. But I had to face the reality that I am 59. I have a full-time job. Holiday obligations. And something had to give. If the holiday decorations weren’t it, then it would be me or my partner. Either our health or our sanity.
I think we are all behind on our Christmas preparations because it came up to fast!!
That’s my excuse,and I’m sticking with it.
Have a wonderful holiday, get some rest.
We are flying to visit family tomorrow. We are packed. We will need to wrap all the presents when we get there. I have my plants set up with watering devices so hopefully they will all survive. I hope your holidays go well and you feel less like Jello soon.
Same. I think this year something is off. Maybe it was the timing of Thanksgiving being so late. Maybe it was that my mom passed away and my brain hasnt been able to wrap itself around a holiday without her, but very little holidaying has been done. I had my trees up at the beginning of November, but if I hadnt done that, they certainly would not have been up. They probably wont get taken down until February. I’m giving myself and everyone else a pass this year. Do what you want/are able to do. Give yourself grace.
I did this on the same night but my book wasn’t nearly as good. I have been salivating for Silver and Blood since I first read about it!
Happy holiday greetings to all , we are in between moving house at the moment so not organised at all but as long as loved ones are near everything else falls into place 🧑🎄 I hope 2025 is kind to everyone and look forward to reading more of your fantastic stories xxx from UK
I was in a car accident a month ago that shattered my primary arm near the shoulder. We have nothing done…no tree, no decorations, no plans, our house is a disaster. I am so tired all the time. No real solution, but hopefully it helps to know you’re not the only one.
I had given you up like GRRM on Hugh and Elara. Not that I haven’t devoured ALL your books and snippets in the interim. So exciting 🙌🏾