How is it possible that It’s already mid-December? Unbelievably, there are only two more issues of The Voice before It’s put to bed for another year. I guess It’s the old ?time flies when You’re blah, blah, blah? phenomenon.
This year, as always, there’s so much to do and so few days left to do it. It helps that our standards and expectations are quite a bit lower in 2012!
Our Christmas shopping is not done, though we’ve made a good dent in the wish lists. I’m being forced to do some online shopping because many of Hilary’s wishes are only available there. I’m not yet sure if It’s ?Bah Humbug? or the greatest thing since sliced bread. The big thing this season (or maybe I’m just noticing it for the first time) is the one-day sale concept: Sears, The Bay, Lowes, Home Depot, and even Costco are doing it. I’ve got the emails to prove it.
The baking is not done–and won’t be, because That’s not my thing. I’ll try to locate the Christmas cards and hand-deliver a few. Cleaning is hit-and-miss in this construction zone.
We certainly won’t be hosting any get-togethers this festive season. Maybe if we play our cards right, we can take the plastic off two chairs in the living room, sit down, and survey what we have wrought with this renovation. And see what remains to be done. Yikes. I’m beginning to understand why contractors recommend that families move out during construction. Luckily I can see the prize at the end of the line. It helps that I can rationalize virtually anything, anytime, anyplace.
I’m a bit disappointed that this will be the second time in 40 years of marriage that we won’t have a Christmas tree. (The other was the year I had shoulder surgery.) I love our slimline tree because it fits our small space, though I do wish it was one of those newfangled pre-lit ones. I could hang garlands and ornaments all day, but stringing the lights drives me batty. This is also the first year in forever that I haven’t added to my ornament collection. they’re probably asking about me in the stores!
Maybe what this proves is that all the stressing, prepping, and hand-wringing that accompanies the holiday season is self-inflicted. This year, a fine meal with family, group games, and a gift exchange with the kids will happen without the usual drama, cost, headache, and angst. I’m just not making any promises for Christmas 2013, from where I sit.
Hazel Anaka’s first novel is Lucky Dog. Visit her website for more information or follow her on Twitter @anakawrites.
