Good News, Bad News

I am kicking my own ass trying to get ready for Christmas.  In true Type A fasion, I sat down at the computer, and typed up a complete list of things I need to finish before next Thursday (Christmas Eve), and separated the list into three categories:  Work Related, Home/House Related, and Christmas Related.  Obviously, the Christmas Related section is the largest.  The good news is that I have knocked several items off my list.  In Work Related items, I have one thing completely finished, with several just about there.  In House Related, I have cleaned the guest room and organized the office (with of course, help from the Hubs).  Christmas Related is a LONG list, and I am getting things done!  Today I stood in line at the post office for EVER a half hour (to buy stamps...JUST stamps.  Only post office that does not have one of those automatic stamp machines.  Ridic).  So, Christmas Cards are written and mailed.  GO ME.  My mother called me the other day to announce she found a lamb on sale, and purchased it.  Christmas Eve dinner - CHECK.  I am feeling good about my progress.  Of course there are the things I haven't done yet - you know, SHOP for EVERYONE ON MY LIST.  Hit the grocery store with the other crazy people for Christmas groceries and baking goods.  You know, the usual.

The bad news is that I have been adding MORE to my Christmas Related List than I have been crossing off.  Such is life my friends.

So, for your viewing pleasure, and to help with my accountability for getting ready for Christmas, I present to you my "Incredibly Long and Overwhelming List of Things To Do Before Christmas Comes and I Gouge My Own Eyeballs Out"

 

• Decorate Christmas Tree (yea, this hasn't been done yet. We are expecting a huge snow storm here, and, because it's the South, chances are this entire city will shut down. Perfect timing for this small project.)
• Purchase and arrange candles for the fire place (in lieu of having a fire)
• Christmas Shopping (this list includes 10 people - my immediate family, in-laws, and the Hubs. Also, I have to purchase at least 2 gifts for my family's annual Chinese Christmas tradition. I have to probably purchase 3 more gifts in case my in-laws forget theirs, or misunderstand the whole gift exchange thing. Again.)
• Create Christmas Eve Menu (and obviously cook all these things)
• Cooking for the dish I have to bring to Christmas Day dinner
• SHOPPING for all this food at the Grocery Store (Lord, help me)
• Bake Christmas goodies like a crazy person. I have to have something to give to neighbors and the like.
• Christmas Cards for immediate family members and grandparents (not my awesome DogLady card like so many of you are getting) Also, mail said cards.
• Come up with some kind of table decoration/centerpiece. Since re-doing our dining room, I have not purchased table linens, placemats, centerpieces, ANYTHING to match the new dining room. Everything used to be a red/black theme - it's now blue/silver. So, this should be interesting.

 

Tonight I had intended to at least shop a little for some gifts.  Hubs talked me out of that.  I sent him to the grocery store for baking goodies.  He waited in line for 30 minutes for stupid things like flour, almonds and three oranges.  I figured, if I am going to be snowed in this weekend, might as well make myself useful and decorate the tree, and bake some goodies, right?  Hubs was totally on board with that idea, and we had a lovely evening planned.

After several passive agressive phone calls on both our parts, we just decided to scrap it all, and meet at bar.  Merry Christmas, Friends!  I hope you get everything done for your holiday this weekend! I am sure I'll get around to it at some point!