Thursday, December 9, 2010

Annual pre-Christmas Meltdown

Every morning, I grab my coffee, and browse around blogland, infusing my mind with Christmas gorgeousness.  Beautiful homes, decorated with wondrous, magical Christmas trees...mantels bursting with old-world santas; chubby, smiling snowmen...luscious stairway banisters wound with seas of evergreens and twinkling stars...
and then I look around at what I haven't done, the tree that is not there yet,  piles of newly-made ornaments not-quite-finished.  My list of things-I-want-to-make...and bake...multiplying by the hour.

I've already had my annual pre-Christmas meltdown.  And I realize, I need to stop.
Why do I do this every year to myself?
I've crossed the line from inspiration to envy to "why can't I ever get it together like everyone else?".

I've done enough.  I've made several new cross-stitch ornaments for our tree.
I don't need to keep making more.
I don't need to impress anyone...my family's joy is enough.
I have to imprint the word "enough" into my mind, and allow myself to enjoy the holiday season, not stress about everything being "perfect".

I think I'll put up the tree this weekend, sip some eggnog... watch some Christmas movies...and get back to feeling the spirit of the holidays in my heart.

14 comments:

  1. I am trying not to get stressed out and enjoy the holidays, too. I just do a little each day and we still have 16 days left! I want it to be fun, and not a drudgery. Of course, I am retired and I don't have to work, I am so lucky that way. I did have to do it the hard way for many, many years, so now, I want to savor it all. Enjoy!

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  2. I get a kick out of this. My friend Jeannie is before me. I had no idea she would be there, lol...Anyway, the reason I am here is to tell you. YES...Drink your eggnog, watch your movies and kick back. It isnt about the decorating. And guess what if you dont get to the tree; there is next weekend. It is about enjoying the Season as you would like to do. SO DO IT!!! ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND.... Many Blessings.

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  3. Melt down. I'm having one right. stinking. now.

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  4. First, thank you for visiting my blog and for posting about the Giveaway!

    I love this post! It's exactly what I've been dealing with. Frustration that my Christmas isn't coming together like all those I see. I'm going to do exactly what you suggested, and just enjoy!

    Blessings,
    Nita Jo

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  5. I am trying to avoid my breakdown this year, so far so good! I hope you enjoyed your weekend!

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  6. there's no christmas tree police....maybe fresh greenery will inspire more?

    if you only decorate with some fresh sprigs or a spray, think of all the time and frustration you'll avoid while everyone is putting all the stuff up? lOl!

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  7. Sounds like you have the right idea -things don't have to be perfect. We don't have a xmas tree up either so don't feel like you're the only one ;) sometimes the little things are enough

    enjoy a beautiful weekend! :)


    -Arianna

    p.s. I have a little giveaway over at http://www.ariannabelle.blogspot.com

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  8. Hi Pippi, I am your newest follower. *hugs*

    p.s. "No one's got it together" *wink*

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  9. Pippi: Your cross stitching is beautiful! It's so fun to find your blog. Thank you for visiting mine. I look forward to seeing all that you do!

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  10. Christmas is always like that - we feel that we have to fulfil those picture perfect postcards - so we are set up for failure because no one can!

    Thanks for visiting my blog - isn't the party fun?

    hugs, Kaye

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  11. Yes Yes yes... so many expectations we put on ourselves. I hope you managed to enjoy your Christmas. Thanks for visiting my blog.

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  12. Hey thanks for stopping by my blog! Your blog is lovely and I look forward to following along with you! Cheers!

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  13. I went to find your blog and I came across this post. This is how I'm feeling right now! Thank you for sharing it. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

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  14. You write so beautifully Pippi! Lots of truth in your words to ponder and about a subject that will help us all.

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