Please tell me I am not the only one...
 
People in my office have everything wrapped and under a decorated tree. I have an undecorated tree (but it is up) some presents bought, some wrapped and more to buy. I also have the house to clean, two dogs to bath and an agility class tonight. Family starts to arrive tomorrow  |
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kerry wrote: Who still has Cristmas shopping to do
People in my office have everything wrapped and under a decorated tree. I have an undecorated tree (but it is up) some presents bought, some wrapped and more to buy. I also have the house to clean, two dogs to bath and an agility class tonight. What? No partridge <sp> in a pear tree? 
No. You're not alone. My parents were spending Christmas here. Then they weren't. Then both were coming. Then only my dad. Then I didn't hear from my dad who called me an hour ago seemingly surprised that my mom hadn't informed me that he was leaving early tomorrow morning. Okee-dokee, then. 
I don't have a tree. I do no decorating. I'll hand him the remote control when he arrives and orders to leave the frazzled dog alone, which he won't heed, and have to head back to work. And, no, I'm not done shopping either. It's not that I'm bah humbug. I've just spent several years on my own at Christmas, dodging invites from well meaning and kind friends, and I would just as soon spend it alone with the dogs and a good book, far, far away from STRESS. So I damn well refused to get stressed out over his visit. Thankfully, apart from the fact that I have to actually COOK while he's here and he has to tell me the many ways I am deficient in my dog training skills, he's about as low stress as it gets for guests. Now I just have to change the batteries in my remote controls and listen to him grumble that he can't hear the TV over the sound of the blow dryer as I bathe dogs, which is what I do on my days off anyway...
Get giftcards and delegate the cleaning and dog grooming to the guests as they walk through the door 
Kristine |
Oh, and get some buttons to wear that say: "Martha Stewart, I ain't! Wanna make something of it?"
Kristine |
Mad Dog wrote: Oh, and get some buttons to wear that say: "Martha Stewart, I ain't! Wanna make something of it?"
Kristine well they are my kids - I think they know my limitations
The problem is I sort of am a Martha Stewart Its just that this year with the last three weekends at shows and trials, I didn't do any cookie baking, no home made gifts and decorations and no fancy place settings - we'll see how this goes over. |
| Don't you have a TV upstairs....(thinking the Nanny...) LOL
I have the mini tree up, but it's a cheat because I store it all decorated with lights on - just cover it with a garbage bag!
I still have shopping to do. I still have presents to finish making. I have ZERO presents wrapped. I did NO Christmas baking. Oh, and I have to go, we're taking the dogs and sled out - Lynne and Abby should be here any minute - bye............ (priorities.. )
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got sheep wrote: Oh, and I have to go, we're taking the dogs and sled out - Lynne and Abby should be here any minute - bye............ (priorities..
)Exactly. The only Martha Stewartesque person I know seriously into dogs is Marnie. And she only has three dogs and still has live in help to help her take care of them. In lieu of kennel help, you have kids. They just don't know it yet
As for Marnie, she's spending Christmas Day with my Dad and me - at our VET'S house. Dogs are invited. We're supposed to take them to vet's MIL's house (Dane breeder) to let them run there. We're all bringing something (in addition to dogs, that is). Marnie will probably end up writing out step by step directions for whatever I contribute Thank god my vet and her husband have well developed senses of humor
Take a deep breath, go with the flow. And DELEGATE! Kristine |
I am so behind Can't remember who I bought what for , have cookies to make and had this stupid idea that I would buy mini loaf pans and make pumpkin bread and wrap and tie a bow around and give out like the pumpkin bread fairy I do have stuff for the dogs . I had to take Guinness to Northern VA for an MRI an hour and 20 min trip took me 2 3/4 hours  Then........I get a phone call about a sheepdog in need ,drag my self home , meet my partner in crime and get this dog. He is so sweet and sooooo matted I begged my vet's office to shave him and spruce him up before the neuter and shots and practically sold my soul to the devil to have them keep him till after Christmas.I just can't bring another dog in now So I am very behind but another dog is headed to a better life. Oh yeah and I cannot find my dining room table and the carpets need to be scrubbed . Pending the MRI results I may be back at the spec, tomorrow That is another hour and a half drive. I am just going to throw the presents under the tree and let family pick................... So Kerry you are not the only one |
| I'm still not ready for last year so I hold out no hope for this one |
| No decorations up, at all. We haven't been home on the weekends since before Thanksgiving and Christmas will be in another state.
My presents are done, ready to wrap tonight - only because my daughter is going up to her apt, which is minutes from our family. I plan to stuff as much as possible in her car. Presents, food & drinks & serving trays for Christmas. Lotso f gift cards this year. We go up Thursday morning - car full of dogs and cats. The cats will be with my daughter and the dogs with us at my mom's house. Our son's will come up sometime Thursday - in the snow, most likely. The dog's need their nails trimmed and new batteries for my camera are left to get. And packing for the trip. |
| I haven't started yet. Is it soon? |
| I need one more gift only because I liked what I ordered someone else so much, I decided to keep it. |
Spent 4 hours grocery shopping....and I have I mentioned I hate shopping 
I spent 30 mins on the interstate going a mile. Then spent an hour shopping in Sams and another 30 min's in line. Then off to Martin's our local supermarket and I lapped the store at least 3 times to finish my list. Who the heck puts grape jelly in the dairy isle???? WHY???? When I got in line and I saw it was dark outside, I was ready to scream. I started this journey at 2:00. |
No tree yet....we just got in from shopping, and one item on our list was a tiny (probably potted) evergreen to take the place of our normal 5 foot tree...but everywhere is sold out!!! 
We decided after the last two weeks of me being pretty much out-of-commission (strep plus fairly continuous migraines  ) that a real tree, or any kind of decorations, in fact, were just a no-go.
Besides...my back shed, in which all the x-mas stuff is stored is so buried in snow, that it would take hours to dig it out! 
Sigh...I am a Christmas failure this year
glad to hear Im not alone |
| I finished decorating the tree 2 days ago. It was up for nearly a week and a half, with me putting up a few ornaments every time I walked by it. I finished cleaning the living and dining room, and decorating those yesterday. I bought my first gift yesterday, another tonight, and still have several to do. No, you are not alone!!! |
| I start shopping in about two hours. The race is on
I have, however, been decorated all month. At least I did get that part done. But, it was only because I hosted my book club meeting this month. I hated to have our Christmas meeting in a non-decorated house. |
| I don't know anyone that won't except wine..........at least not on my list. As the holiday approaches and it's coming quickly, a one stop shop at your local liquor store, and "YA GOT EM COVERED"! in no way is Molly suggesting Alcohol, but God it can be relaxing. Pull up a chair, and have a nice wine..............clink. |
bestdogs wrote: I'm still not ready for last year so I hold out no hope for this one
And I'm at least three years behind. Oh, well.
Kristine |
| I still have gifts to wrap. But not too bad really. 1 package, the dogs' items go into gift bags & the rest of the gifts are the kind that go into a money holder card! Finished up making cookies & candy last night while feeling as if I was on an agility course & Mariah was several of the obstacles! I have to make up cookie/candy trays to take to 3 places tomorrow. Then................if I can get off work a bit early (we are supposed to be on reduced hours but for some reason the boss keeps finding more & more work for me to do) I might take a run over to the mall to just look around. I love to do that when I have everything done. I don't have to worry about finding any gifts or standing in any long check out lines. I can just browse around & if I see something I really want I can get it. If not I just look at all the other poor frazzled souls & feel sorry for them! |
| You are not the only one but I am not one of your peers. I am extremely adamant about trying to get stuff done - for my sanity. You know me Kerry - my head would explode thinking about all I "have to do".
I have cookie dough rolled into balls in the refrigerator so that I can enjoy baking tonight. I broke it into two days otherwise I knew I would just feel stressed and overly tired. Tomorrow I am taking the day off with Jack. While he is sleeping in I will make the casserole to take to my brother's house on Christmas and make my rum cake for Christmas Eve. Then when he gets up we will hang out all day watching movies and putting puzzles together and playing games until it is time for Harry and I to go to the library. I am trying to get in as much time with Jack as this is his last year of school and I never know if I will get the boys home at Christmas once they are out in the world as working adults in other states. ChSheepdogs wrote: Finished up making cookies & candy last night while feeling as if I was on an agility course & Mariah was several of the obstacles!
Gosh, Marilyn you are soooo lucky. I miss stepping over Mopsy while I am baking. Harry is afraid of the mixer so he usually doesn't hang out with me in the kitchen. Although I have been clicker training him to not be afraid. I love having a sheepdog underfoot.  |
| hmmm... 2 days to go, and I'm STILL cleaning, STILL de-matting the dogs so I can bathe them, STILL baking, and STILL have gifts to buy. |
| Wow!!! Here I thought I was the only one
I know a lot of people like Christmas, I'm not one of them. Calling people to find out what to get them is like pulling teeth. Finding the "perfect" gift that is no place on this planet. Rnady's family is coming TO MY HOUSE on x-mas eve. There are four adults and three children...easy peasy. On x-mas day, part of my family(21)(six people are missing) are coming TO MY HOUSE. I finished my shopping after work today but the house is NOT clean, there are gifts yet to be wrapped, I don't cook so I have yet to order the dinner I am serving on both days, the dogs are NOT clean, and oh did I mention that I work both the eve and the Big Day. Oh yeah, its a magical time of year! |
| okay; panic is setting in. I'm awake 4 hours earlier than usual, with an edgy "I NEED TO GET STUFF DONE" feeling. And I've begun to compromise already. I've begun designating the rooms that won't get cleaned, and will instead have the doors closed on them. I finished de-matting the dogs last night around 2am, only to think to myself "Tired self; they look pretty good; do they really need baths?" And I wanted to start baking before the sun came up, but am afraid the mixer will wake the BF up. |
| That's just a sign that you were too ambitious to begin with. I often fall into that trap and that's where the stress comes in. Unrealistic goals unless you're wearing a cape or something
Then when push comes to shove you quickly figure out what HAS to be done vrs what would be a nice touch.
Kristine |
| Well Kristine you convinced me. I was up till 1 am on Tuesday grooming Marley, but she really needed it and its not the first or the last time it will be done in that time frame.
BUT, not going to bake cookies (my daughter's reply when I told her I hadn't baked any and probably wouldn't was that none of us needed to eat any anyway  ); not worried about decorating (other than the tree) and although I still have the dining room to get ready for dinner tomorrow night, the house is okay clean (not perfect, but I have four dogs and a husband - you can decide which is more of an issue ), we went out to dinner last night and I put chili in the crock pot for dinner tonight. Most of the presents are wrapped that will be wrapped (Jess took my Macy's card and me shopping yesterday ) and I sort of spilt coffee on my son's new jacket so it had to air out .
When I go home from work tonight I will have four days off to relax - not stress and enjoy the holidays. |
kerry wrote: When I go home from work tonight I will have four days off to relax - not stress and enjoy the holidays.
Bingo! Kristine - who will nonetheless be bathing dogs periodically throughout |
Mad Dog wrote: Kristine - who will nonetheless be bathing dogs periodically throughout All but B are bathed and he is schedueld for a new year's day bath all the company will be gone and I will have two days to rever 
Of course Miss Marley will be getting another one around about then as well. I can't imagine dealing with 7!!!! |
Yikes...I haven't really even contemplated the brushing/bathing of the dogs yet. It needs doing, because we take them with us to my parent's house on Christmas morning, and my Mom cant stand "stinky" dogs! Its one reason why I love leaving them with her as a dogsitter...we come back to find them bathed! 
We finally got a tree...sorta...we found a greenhouse that had a few little potted ones left Its cute! Too small to actually decorate, and the gifts we put on the table all around it are almost hiding it from view,but, hey, its a tree!
My house is a disaster...but since no one but us will see it (were going to some friends home for x-mas eve, and my parent's house for x-mas day) Ive decided I dont care
Not only is my wrapping not done...but I still have one gift to finish making Im doing a little Christmas-y art piece for my best friend, and its still in pieces on my work table! 
Ok people...deep breaths...we can do this! |
Hey I am with ya!! My house is a wreck, no presents wrapped BUT I gave all the dogs a big ol femur bone they are contently chewing and I mixed some cookie dough up and put trans Siberian orchestra on and things will be fine..... or not MERRY CHRISTMAS my friends I have 6 dogs to bath maybe next year  |
| I did it; I decided NO baths; just continue brushing to keep the mats from returning. We're having a New Years Day party; I'll bathe them for that.
So now its just sweep and polish the floors, already cleaned the muddy paw prints off the sofas (that was 2 hours of work); bathroom is cleaned and so is the kitchen. Moved the last of the boxed stuff out of the living room (yes we are still in boxes from our move) and I have the BF leaf blowing the front walk. Wait; whats that? Tonight's company just canceled on us? Guess I can bake tomorrow's pies and cakes tonight then. Maybe I'll put off the sweeping and mopping until then too..... |
| Well, I am taking a recess. #1 son called late last night & wondered if I could wrap the gifts he bought for his wife! He had wrapping paper, tissue paper & bags etc. Sure, no problem..... What he neglected to tell me is that one of the gifts was an electric fireplace for their bedroom!!!!!! I just finished wrapping 1/2 of it! I am trying to garner up the enregy to tackle the other half! Thank heavens the other items are smaller! |
ChSheepdogs wrote: Well, I am taking a recess. #1 son called late last night & wondered if I could wrap the gifts he bought for his wife! He had wrapping paper, tissue paper & bags etc. Sure, no problem..... What he neglected to tell me is that one of the gifts was an electric fireplace for their bedroom!!!!!! I just finished wrapping 1/2 of it! I am trying to garner up the enregy to tackle the other half! Thank heavens the other items are smaller!
You are WAAAAY too nice of a Mom! |
| Nothing like a change in plans. And I will never again not put out the Christmas decorations.
Tuesday morning, my daughter drove up to apt for a soccer game that night. The other team didn't show, so that was a waste. And the weather forecast changed at 5 pm that evening. Sleet and snow were expected today. So we made the daughter load the car back up and drive back down here. She was ticked. My younger son asked for help with finding a table top tree for his apt on Tuesday night. Couldn't wait any later could you bud? Found a tree, a decorated bucket and ornaments - all 70% off. But I had to handtie the snowflake ornaments on the tree. Very cute, if I do say so. With the weather report last night, we decided to hold off going back up, so we wouldn't get trapped. They had 3 hours of sleet and then the snow started. Between 8 and 12 inches expected. Interstates were closed. It is doubtful we will be going up this weekend - and the s-i-l has started the guilt. "But it's our first Christmas without Dad and we wanted everyone together." Forget the fact that we are likely to be short other family members if we tried to make it up there. So today was spent shopping for food, trying to calm the family up there and digging out a few decorations. My daughter got us a Charle brown tree. The child's rocking chair by the front door has a "My Pet Monster," wearing a Santa hat. The cats and dogs were very interested in him. From our house of 3 dogs, 4 cats and 5 people, Merry Christmas! |
Well, I am finally finished! The office looks like a tornado went thru it but I can clean it up later tonight. Presents are all wrapped......including the fireplace! Those items will leave tonight at 10PM. My items were a lot easier to wrap. Most were green & fit in a nice envelope! Hubby made the pasta salad we need to take to dinner Christmas night (they were expecting a fresh vegetable tray but never called me so they are getting pasta salad  )
I think it might me time for a nice glass of wine! |
| Mine still aren't wrapped. LeAnne and I are up in St Paul with daughter Lisa in the hospital. Her uneventful pregnancy got more exciting quick.
Her recent high b/p lead to preeclampsia and an ambulance ride up to a hospital with a level 3 nursery (just in case, she's 34 weeks) and with this storm they didn't want to risk it. Oh, and the flu is also going thru our house - Todd and son Travis are puking, etc. I had it Tuesday/Wednesday. uggghh Quite the memorable holiday. No idea when the rest will happen. |
Fingers crossed everything goes OK for Lisa.  Yes, this is a Christmas you will all remember. |
got sheep wrote: Mine still aren't wrapped. LeAnne and I are up in St Paul with daughter Lisa in the hospital. Her uneventful pregnancy got more exciting quick.
Her recent high b/p lead to preeclampsia and an ambulance ride up to a hospital with a level 3 nursery (just in case, she's 34 weeks) and with this storm they didn't want to risk it. Oh, and the flu is also going thru our house - Todd and son Travis are puking, etc. I had it Tuesday/Wednesday. uggghh Quite the memorable holiday. No idea when the rest will happen. Geeze, Dawn. So much for my prediction of peaceful and stress free. Keep us posted.
Kristine |
| Quiet this morning. We are skyping home - Bre and William are opening some of their presents. Kids were OK with none from G and G as they aren't wrapped. Later will work!
Still snowing here.....lots of snow! |
| Dawn; I hope all goes well with your unexpected change in Christmas plans!
Quieet here too. First Christmas in forever where I could not/did not want to get out of bed. But baking needs doing, and some last touch cleaning.... |
| Well...our Christmas went sideways in a big way
The original plan: we go to my parent's house in the AM, picking my niece and her fiance up along the way...open gifts, have breakfast, hang out and relax, then leave and go see Avatar. The current reality: I am frantically cleaning house, while Scott goes to drop off gifts at my parents house, then pick up Jenny and Ryan to bring them back here for gift opening and to spend the day. The reason for this, sadly, is that my Mom's mother (not a grandparent to me...I was adopted as an older child) had a massive stroke last night. My parents, along with the rest of my Mom's family will be spending today at the hospital. I want to make today as nice and low stress for Jen as I can, Neither she, nor I , are close with my Mom's mom, but I know she's going to be upset. Well, that was my "break"...back to cleaning...thank goodness for sheepie cards...they are the only decorations I have! |
| Oh My -I hope everyone has a more settled Christmas
Good luck with the entertaining. And I think the oes.org cards make fabulous decorations! |
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