So Much To Do....So Little Time!!!!

Canada
December 7, 2008 1:31pm CST
Do you ever feel this way? I do! Deadlines for different Christmas gatherings are driving me insane and I still have a big portion of my baking to do as I have just not had time with work and my boy and everything else that has been going on! Our first Christmas Family gathering is a week from today and I always take a plate of my baked goods and cookies....I have no cookies yet which is unusual for me by December seventh! I have never been this late with my baking!!!! I am on the crunch now to do this this week along with putting the finishing touches on their gifts! Then I will continue on with what needs to be done for my husband's Birth Mother's celebration on Christmas and after that work on my parents whom we won't see until New Years Eve...So much to do in just a short time! How are you coming along with your preparations? Do you feel this way? Do you have any gathering prior to Christmas to prepare for? ~Heavens~
2 people like this
11 responses
• Japan
7 Dec 08
Although I have my tree up that is about all I have done for Christmas, no shopping, no baking, nothing at all. Hubby was in hospital all November and is still recovering, so money is super tight, we will need welfare for at least half a year until hubby can figure out how much he can do (he has kidney and heart problems). So I'm not looking forward to Christmas. I know it isn't about the presents but last Christmas we went mad and bought the kids loads of stuff, maybe to much. The older boys 14 and almost 17 understand that Christmas will be scaled back this year, my 10 year old understands but still moans but my poor six year still believes in magic!! I hope that you get everything done in time, we somehow manage it don't we? Take care and enjoy the holiday!
2 people like this
• Canada
10 Dec 08
Thanks dreamjapan! I wish for you and your family a wonderful Christmas full of many great memories and all that you need! ~Heavens~
• Canada
8 Dec 08
So sorry to hear of all that you and your husband have been and are going through! I can understand why you would not be looking forward to Christmas with the expectations of your little one! Christmas is for children in my eyes but it is important that we also teach our children that Christmas is about being together and celebrating with the family! This year you should all be thankful that you are all still together and build more memories based on that (Even you six and ten year old) Hopefully the older two can help your younger two understand the importance of daddy still being there and presents really don't matter! Who knows, perhaps someone will give to your children that you aren't expecting! My special needs boy is the reason that I am behind this year as I have had to do crafts and baking instead of purchasing a lot of gifts...I have had to be creative in giving to my family this year and keep it to that! I guess what I don't get done will have to go to the side and what I have will have to do in the end! I just want for us all to be together and to have the means in the New Year to continue my boys therapy! That is all I need and want this year! My prayers are with you and your family! Hope you have a Wonderful Christmas... You all deserve it after all that you've been through! ~Heavens~
1 person likes this
• Japan
8 Dec 08
Hi, One problem I have is that we live in Japan and here it is all about the getting. I think this generation of Japanese children are being really spoiled, the younger parents, those in their 30s, have imported this idea of giving presents and having a Toys R Us in most large cities doesn't help, then a week later kids get money from grandparents and other family members, sometimes in excess of $1000. Yes that is the right amount of zeros. So we are reading through our childrens Bible, talking about the real reason for the season. Also I'm looking for stories on the net of giving being the best gift. I think my kids realise that they won't be getting much which will help on Christmas morning. My six year old was cute the other day. She was helping me and said that she was being good because she wants lots of presents, I reminded her that she wouldn't be getting so much, she gave a cheeky smile and said "Oh well, I don't have to be good!" I hope things go well for ypur Christmas and that your son can continue getting the help he needs. Jacks
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@relundad (2310)
• United States
7 Dec 08
I do have some but I don't consider them priority enough for me to be stressed about. I often tell my family and friends that this season happens at the exact same time each year and for some reason every year people tend to get in a tizzy about. I am just not about stressing over little things, those things that I can do, I do. Those that I can't or don't have the time to do, I either buy for or don't worry about.
2 people like this
• Canada
7 Dec 08
That is a good philosophy for sure! The problem I am having this year is that it just came up on me so fast without me realizing where we were on the calendar as the days just keep going by for me, it has been quite a year I must say! Also, with no money I am doing crafts along with my baking which is also unusual for me and very much more time consuming then just going out and buying a certain item for each person! To make this even harder, I had no idea what I was going to do until a couple of weeks ago and then I work outside the home four days a week to complicate things! Getting Crafts done in such a short time and being behind in my baking this year makes it very hard to accomplish it all! Normally I do all of my baking in November but that was a very busy month for me and so it did not happen! ~Heavens~
1 person likes this
• Canada
7 Dec 08
Thanks so much relundad! I realize that crafts and baking take time and that is worth something for sure but the only people I am giving to is my parents, my husbands birth mother, my husband's step-mom and my sister-in-law....There is no way I could draw names as technically it is three separate families and I love giving to them! As for saving come the new year...this may not be possible as my son has expensive on-going therapy and that is what takes up our funds! Of course, the Economy has also already hit us as well not helping in our finances! I guess I'll take what I have in baking next Sunday...Even if I don't have the assortment I usually do...Some will be better than none! ~Heavens~
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@relundad (2310)
• United States
7 Dec 08
Good Luck getting everything done. This season is meant to be joyful and full of cheer, there is something to be said if its all one big chore. Maybe next year beginning in January you can start your Christmas savings, just put aside a few dollars a month and you probally wont miss it, to buy gifts maybe that will help a bit. I always tell people that even though you may save some money by doing crafts if you are a busy person your time also has some monetary value and end the end you probally end up not really saving a lot. Another suggestion for next year since a lot of people will probally suffer some economic hardship is to pull names within the family or group. That way each person is only responsible for one gift and you don't have to feel like you have to do or give something to everybody.
2 people like this
@subha12 (18441)
• India
8 Dec 08
yes many times that do happen. I feel there are so many things to be done in so little time. But i can manage things well. May be it is always hectic, i manage somehow.
2 people like this
• Canada
10 Dec 08
@myahw20 (1115)
• Canada
7 Dec 08
Well I guess this applies to me this time of the year since it is the time of my final exams. It is very hard to study when everything around you seems fun to do. It is Christmas season after all. I have to divide my time with studying and shopping with my mom for Christmas presents. We are going back home this year again so there are a lot of preparations. At the same time I also need that time out to chill myself.
2 people like this
• Canada
7 Dec 08
I do hope that you do well on your exams myahw20! I also wish you luck in making all of the preparations necessary for Christmas before you go back home! ~Heavens~
1 person likes this
@legend4u (1019)
• India
8 Dec 08
yes i have always felt that there is very little time and i have the habit of playing with clock and decrese that time to even small. basically i take 24 hours as 23 in most days and 5-6 hours go for sleeping and remaining 18 hours is not enough for some days. i have good planing for a day still it is tough to stay inside a day.
2 people like this
• Canada
8 Dec 08
Even six hours of sleep is not enough for me! Often though it is what I get when working outside the home and my son waking early...I often get home late and then cannot get right to sleep and so have little sleep but really that is another discussion altogether! I am just inundated with the care my boy needs coupled with working outside the home four days a week and keeping up with laundry and cleaning and of course having time to myself and spending time with my husband and then there is My Lot...Then you put Christmas prep on top of all of this and lets just say I am on fast mode now!!! ~Heavens~
1 person likes this
• United States
7 Dec 08
I feel like that a lot now that I'm in college. There's always something due, or a test that I don't have enough time to study for. It gets even worse during the final exams because I have to take 5 tests and I have to try to study for all of them.
2 people like this
• Canada
7 Dec 08
Yes, I guess it is all a matter of time management really! I guess we all need to learn how to manage our time appropriately! I wish you all the best in your exams! ~Heavens~
1 person likes this
@minnie_98214 (10557)
• United States
7 Dec 08
I know how you feel. I got many cookies to bake and still havent even bought what I need to cook them. Its hard when you got a new baby in the house to find time for much of anything. I havent even set up my christma tree yet. Maybe tonight I will.
2 people like this
• Canada
7 Dec 08
Well, at least I have all of the ingredients...Now just to get at it and do it...Three types of cookies at least!! And then the finishing touches on some crafts...All with just a week to do it in and four shifts at my part time job! I have had my tree up now for over a week which I am happy about and it is all lit and decorated so at least that is here! I understand with your new baby...I do hope that you at least get your tree up tonight! Love and HUGS ~Heavens~
1 person likes this
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
8 Dec 08
Hi heavens, It's really good to see you here, in the midst of your busyness. I 'know' you want to make everything as perfect as possible, for your family gatherings. I'm 'sure' too, that your plates of goodies are greatly appreciated, and anticipated. However, in the end, you can only do what you can do. Please don't get overly stressed about this, as you need to enjoy the season as well. Starting today, the crunch is really on for me. I have to make sure I organize my time, the best way possible. The upcoming weeks are so full, and 'I'm' not sure how I'll get it all done. Some of the reasons for this are, my ailing finances, my daughter's super busy schedule (she has less time to help this year than last), and my health problems. I'll just have to do the best I can. Our tree is still standing here with just the lights, topper, and beads on it. The rest of it has been left up to me. The door 'hanging' is on, but none of the other decorations are done inside. The are scattered about the living room, and there's a lot of them for me to do by myself. I so enjoy decorating with my daughter, but it just 'can't' be this year, and she's already told me this. Her schedule is unbelievable, so I do understand but still ... By the way, 'a little bird' told me that there's a very special bowl still here in my hutch. I'm wondering if there's going to be an alternative one used this year? We had a really great weekend, but I spent so much time getting in and out of my brother in law's car, and it's 'very' low to the ground. It's about the lowest one I've seen of late. Unfortunately, it's taken a further toll on my legs, etc. I could hardly get out of it this last time, when we arrived home later last night. I 'may' have to modify some of my plans (like you,) to ensure that I don't do further damage. I really don't have time to take it easy, but I should be. Oh well! Finally, I noticed you have a couple of lovely Christmas comments on your profile page. I want to make sure you see them. This is something else I 'need' to do. I don't want to miss sending my special friends 'here' Holiday greetings. Please take care of yourself. Love, and Big Hugs to you.
@di1159 (1580)
• United States
8 Dec 08
Take a deep breath and exhale! Your writing reflects your stress level. We've all been in that situation where time is a precious asset and so much needs to get done. I suggest you prioritze and make a schedule to get to all the things you need to do. See if you can enlist some help and delegate chores. Lastly, don't fret, I'm sure it will all get done and everything will turn out great. Luckliy this year, I was spared, but next year it will be my turn to host the festivities.
1 person likes this
• Canada
10 Dec 08
Thanks di! I don't host any meals but I go to there of them and always take dessert and a plate of cookies etc to each one! The first one is this Sunday and I'm still not ready! I have no one to delegate anything to! I have a five year old special needs child and a husband who works six days a week! (I work four days so it really cuts down on my time)! ~Heavens~
• Indonesia
8 Dec 08
o yeah i do..but for a different case. i feel like that ryt now, while im still searching a job. i feel its urgent to get a job, coz of my age n there r so many things i wanna do in this life, n i need that payment to do it..thats why, it feels like im getting old, there r so many things i wanna do but so little time lol..
1 person likes this
• Canada
10 Dec 08
I wish you every success in finding a job very soon! ~Heavens~
• Indonesia
8 Dec 08
o yeah i do..but for a different case. i feel like that ryt now, while im still searching a job. i feel its urgent to get a job, coz of my age n there r so many things i wanna do in this life, n i need that payment to do it..thats why, it feels like im getting old, there r so many things i wanna do but so little time lol..
1 person likes this