How are all of you doing in getting ready for Christmas? I find myself envying our friends to the north, up in Canada, and in other parts of the world--those of you who don't have a major holiday like Thanksgiving falling at the end of November. Somehow I just can't get motivated to think about Christmas gifts until that holiday has passed, which means I only have a few weeks to get myself together. (Well, I was THINKING of another "S" word instead of "self," but this is a "clean" blog. Sort of. Well, sometimes, anyway. You know what I'm thinking though, right?!)
And darn it! It's at times like these that I really start wishing I didn't have a single ounce of creativity in my body or the ability to bake cookies or make candy. This year I'm not doing any baking or candy-making, but I have been creating, so I can still whine about it a little. I can't tell you how much easier it would be to just go out and BUY gifts like "normal" people. But NO! I can't do that. So instead I stay up waaaaay too late every night and can't seem to find the time to sit back and enjoy the holiday season. And each year I swear the next will be different!
Do you do that? Or am I the only insane one?
But I'm making some progress. Yesterday (Wednesday), I packaged up and mailed out the few little gifties that needed to be sent. Tonight (Thursday), I've finally finished the last of the arty-crafty gifts except for a couple for my immediate family. Next, I need to make a quilt, although I can't tell you who it's for. It won't be huge--probably lap size--and I've decided to go with the braid pattern because I think it will look pretty good and go fairly fast. But still, I only have a week to get it completely finished. Then, of course, there are still a few other things to finish for family. Sometimes I drive myself nuts!
Last night our Thimbleberries group had our end of the year party which involved a potluck and prizes. It was a lot of fun! And I'm looking forward to starting next year's club which features a BOM in two colorways--Lodge and Lakeside--as well as smaller quarterly quilts. I've always loved nautical stuff, so some of the fabrics in the Lakeside colorway really appeal to me and seem different from the typical Thimbleberries fabrics.
Saturday night we will go to my crazy friend Lisa's house for dinner. My sister-in-law will be there as will my son and probably his girlfriend, as well as Lisa's husband and her two girls. I'm sure we'll have a great time! I do enjoy the many gatherings of friends and family that take place during the holiday season. And I swear that next year, I'm going to BUY all my Christmas gifts so I can relax and enjoy the holidays!
Remember to make time to spend with your friends and family during the busy holiday season! As for me, I think it's time for me to fix myself a cup of peppermint hot chocolate and head back into the Sweat Shop. See you all later!
I know what you mean, I have so much quilting to do for gifts and so little time left!! I also usually have a big neighborhood pool paryt here this week but have so far accidentally forgotten to organize it as it will take me all week to prepare...and gifts to sew!! Tracey
ReplyDeleteYep, I read you! I really do not like the U.S. Thanksgiving being so close to Christmas. It feels like you're over eating for a month and a half. Never mind being busy busy getting ready for everybody, parties, gifts and school stuff! Oh humbug! lol I did start baking cookies yesterday, and decided to stop after my first batch! I'm tired of eating! lol Keep sane!
ReplyDeleteUm -- you have SEEN my list of things to make for the holidays right? And that I have a 2yo at home too? No -- you're not the only one. And no, you won't buy all of your presents next year either. Maybe some -- but I have the feeling you will be sewing away again. Maybe if we start in June?
ReplyDeleteMany years ago my brother & I decided that we could not afford to exchange presents. Scratch off 4 hand made gifts. Sister? Scratch off 4 more. I only make 2, if that. I've been whittling down my card list and this year it is only 10. Decorating? I did that last night. My tree this year is a 2 foot Rosemary plant pruned to the shape of a tree. I have a box of little itty bitty glass balls that fit on it perfectly. I didn't have to totally rearrange the living room for a Christmas tree. I'm going for the minimalist look. I did, however, drape Christmas quilts and hangings on various surfaces.
ReplyDeleteSo can we remind you next year that you're buying presents instead of making them? LOL
ReplyDeleteSounds like you've got a lot of fun stuff coming up!
I think it's wonderful that you make your gifts. That's the best kind of gift I think. We just need to start in Jan. so we'll be ready.
ReplyDeleteno you are not. maybe you should go back are read this crazy, perfectionist, blog every day, with pictures too and still gets a quilt done every other day plus homemade christmas gifts too and she has a full time job blog. That person could slow down like I could fly! You are our hero.
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays, mary
I am totally far behind in bloggy reading, as usual, so I'm spending quality time with yours today. I think it's wonderful you make your Christmas gifties - I make many of mine, too. Next year, I am making them all through the year (I'll have you know I say this EVERY year, but I have ideas for gifts, so I'm gonna start on them early!!
ReplyDeleteI agree - everyone should spend time with family and friends during the holiday season. If you don't, it's over before you know it!