How did this happen? How is it the 15th and Christmas is in 10 days? And my parents come to town in two days? Can I start panicking and running around in circles right now?
This was not what I had planned on writing about for today. I had a nice blog planned and half written about the some of the amusing things that have been going on at my library. And then I looked up the other day and noticed it was less than two weeks to Christmas. I haven’t decorated, I haven’t baked, I haven’t finished writing my cards and I sure haven’t wrapped a darn thing.
I’m usually not this lax in my holiday planning either. Generally, by the end of November, I have endless lists of things planned out. A list of cards to write. A list of people and what I’m planning on getting them. The wrapping paper is dragged out of the closet and the tape, scissors, bows and ribbons all laid out. Two days put aside for baking. One for the cleaning and decorating of the apartment. I don’t generally get a tree, since my place is wee. I’d have to move furniture onto the balcony in order to fit in a tree.
It isn’t as if there hasn’t been enough going on around me to remind me Christmas is coming. The malls have been decorated since November 1st, right? I think most of the houses around put their lights up the day after Thanksgiving. One day, nothing, the next, poof! an explosion of flashing lights and lawn decorations. The teen volunteers came around and decorated the library. Seriously. I’m sitting at the reference desk and they came by. “Don’t mind us.” And they decorated around us.
The seasonal parties have kicked into full gear too. I think I’m going to resolve to only throw parties in July and August from now on. I thought I was caught in a whirl of gaiety the weekend I went to three parties. That was until I talked to a friend who attended three parties in one night. And then repeated that for the the next two days as well. I’m still exhausted when I think about that. Seriously. Nine parties in one 3 day stretch? Nope. Not for me thanks. I’m happy for the few that I’ve got left to go to. Not to mention the couple I’ve helped plan.
So really, I have no excuse for not being prepared this year. I’ve come up with a cunning plan!
Monday after work, I cleaned the apartment. I got all the rooms cleaned and dusted. Books got put away, bills got filed. It’s so clean and tidy that you’d think someone other than me actually lives here.
Today is our big office holiday party. Punch will be made at 7:30 in the morning. People who see each other once a year will stand around for two hours trying to think of things to say. I’ll be running around chivvying people into buying raffle tickets for the centerpiece raffle. Tonight is the big baking project. I think I’m sticking to bar cookies this year. And maybe some fudge.
Wednesday is going to be reserved for decorating and finishing up the cards. So obviously, it’s going to be the easiest night. 
My parents are arriving on Thursday. They’re going to be staying at my brother’s place this year. But I’ll be over there pretty much every night anyway.
Friday morning is the last minute Christmas shopping. I think I’m going to end up breaking down and doing a good portion of my shopping online. Anyone who’ll deliver quickly and for free are going to be my new best friends.
Wrapping will be, um, wrapped up, before next Friday.
That sounds pretty plan like and doable doesn’t it?
Anybody got any advice they’d like to share? Please?
I wish you all a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
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Good luck with your plan. I still have a few days before panic sets in. Holiday frantics is part of the jolly fun.