'Tis the Season

This year I decided not to send out Christmas cards...but everything else was done in record time.  Well, I still have cookies to frost.  But, I fear I may have jinxed myself by omitting this one simple holiday tradition.  This past week, I learned that my car is in need of front wheel bearings--to the tune of $700+; I somehow managed to lose my billfold--all contents included (driver's license, credit/debit cards and shopping receipts); and I was unable to get into my garage Friday when I returned from work due to the snow drifts across the driveway!  I have determined that I will need more than just Christmas carols to get me into the holiday spirit---I will be drinking spirits of all kinds before the New Year arrives!!  And hoping Santa brings a damn snowblower!!

Ahead of Myself

Retailers and media have mourned the loss of the extra weekend before Christmas this year.   I have been a step ahead of the frenzy.  As a part of my financial diet, I bought gift cards throughout the year and started getting Christmas gifts early.  I was done decorating and wrapping the Saturday after Thanksgiving.   All my packages (except 1) have been mailed and over the past weekend, I made a trip to visit my Mother and deliver holiday packages & cheer!  Seems, I am two weeks ahead...so proud of myself.   I am so far ahead of myself, that last night after I emptied the dishwasher and put everything away, I realized that I hadn't yet turned it on to wash the dishes.

Holiday rituals!

Before returning to South Dakota, I had my own Thanksgiving Day routine.  Rather than spend 10 hours driving and taking a day off, I decided to return to my former routine.  Certainly family holidays are more memorable; but my tradition is far more relaxing!  I started the day by sleeping in (in spite of the text messages that started at 7:15am).  I enjoyed my coffee and English muffin, reading in bed.  Most of the day was spent preparing the house and tree for Christmas.  Enjoying mimosas, pizza and hot wings as the day progressed.  I managed to watch a bit of football and take a break or two to read or nap.  By evening the decorating was done and the decoration tubs returned to the garage.  I went to bed early and worked Friday.  The presents are wrapped, house is clean and the last day of the Thanksgiving weekend winding down.  Sometimes solitary routines are just what I need to recharge.