Christmas

It is already 13 days until Christmas and I am only half ready for it- sort of, maybe... I feel like it is sneaking up on me this year. Maybe it is the fact that the tree isn't decorated yet (it's at least up, but we are having problems with the lights), or that we aren't firmed up on where we are going yet since a lot of things hang in the balance that make a difference, or maybe just that the shopping and putting gifts together isn't done yet. Last year I swore to myself that I wouldn't make anyone's christmas gift again because I feel like no one appreciates them. Then I came up with this cool idea for the grandparents and caved in to do that and then one more crazy cheap idea for everyone to go with their gifts. Before I know it I am in photo shop trying to size down all the photos I'll need and am drowning in scrap paper trying to put things together while the kids run amock. As if I wasn't busy enough already. And yet, I must confess a part of me enjoys all this or I wouldn't bother. I love Christmas, but leading up to it requires a lot of energy and thought on how to give everyone the best gifts they'll appreciate on a tiny school budget. I haven't even gotten around to making the annual candy- homemade peanut butter bon bons and almond roca, which would give me a nice chocolate fix while I work on putting together the gifts. Maybe I'll have to take a break and do that.... So I think I will buy the song "I need a little Christmas" and play it loudly and give the kids color sheets while I work on all this craziness called Christmas. Wish me luck!