Harried Little Christmas?

It doesn't matter how low-key I try to keep things, it seems like it always gets a little crazy as Christmas approaches. We're not traveling this year, and we don't even send gifts to extended family, other than a little something to both sets of grandparents. I'm sure I have much less to do than many of you. Hey, I'm easily overwhelmed.

He looks like I feel! (Photo from flickr.)

Late last week I suddenly realized that I had almost a week less than I thought to make several gifts, because I hadn't been factoring in the kids being out of school starting Monday. So I've been working on that, and getting the teacher gifts together, attending Christmas programs and other events, and finishing up shopping.

Monday the kids had a snow day due to the weather so I pretty much got nothing done. Yesterday I ran a few errands and then took supper to Dixie and spent the rest of the afternoon with them. (Her daughter came home from the hospital yesterday morning and is improved, but full recovery will take several months. Thanks for your prayers.) On top of being gone all day, for our supper I roasted a chicken, which splattered fat all over the oven and necessitated cleaning it today. Just one more thing.

I must confess, though, that I'm actually kind of enjoying it. My house is a mess and the laundry is unfolded in baskets, and I haven't addressed the Christmas cards yet. But the decorations are festive, Christmas music is playing constantly, the kids are excited, the fireplace is cozy, and we actually had a little snow this week.

I hope you are having fun as you prepare for the festivities at your house!

One of the reject Christmas card photos; we could not convince the cat to be in the same photo with the dog.