I have been so busy the last couple of months, I can't see straight! I think this is the first weekend that we have not been having to run the roads. I am fully booked with orders this weekend, but at least I can do it all in my jammies!
The last couple of months have been kinda rough. Finances, time to get things done, time with Hubby, and free time have been scarce. Here's me being totally open and honest here....I do NOT like Christmas!
Christmas time has become (for all of America I think) a time of over spending and stress. Although we are not a religious family, Christmas has lost what it's all about. For me, I believe that this time of the year should be about spending time with your family and about giving, not receiving. Our kids have all been taught (and up until now, we have not struggled financially, so I admit, I done this to them too) that Santa will bring them tons of gifts and that's what it's all about. This year, things have been tight and "santa" cannot bring them bunches of gifts each. I am so worried that they will be disappointed on Christmas morning, but I also feel like now (they are 6 and 9) would be a good time to reteach them what the holidays are all about.
With Hubby working nights and having his nights off during the week and me working m-f, I have not even had time without the munchkins to do the shopping. Last night I finally had an opportunity to go out for a couple of hours. All but 2 gifts on my list FOR THE KIDS (yeah!), but now I'm onto the LONG list of our huge family. Insert stress here!
I come from a small family. It was just me, my mom and my dad. Hubby on the other hand....has THREE sides (mom, dad, and stepdad) who are all HUGE and we are all close. We are very lucky and I'm very grateful to get to be a part of such an amazing family, but geeeezzzz...the list goes on forever!
So...for this year, I think photos are going to be our gift to everyone. Cheap, I know, but I have to make my priorities here and my kids come first. I have tons of photo paper on hand, so my printer will be hard at work next weekend. I am planning on going to the Dollar Tree and finding some fabulous photo albums and putting them together.
I think I create alot of the stress on myself worrying about what people will think, but then again, I'm sure they are all having these feelings too. I know one of my sister in laws gave photos several Christmas's in a row when her kids were little, so I know she will understand!
Honestly, part of me just wants to stay home and enjoy the day with my kiddos. BUT...part of me is thinking that if we "make the rounds" then they will get a bunch of presents and our small gift pile won't seem so bad. Isn't that bad?
This is just me being open and honest and real. I really needed to get it out! I know I'm not the only one with these feelings! Feel free to let it all out here too!
