It’s been a hellish week. I haven’t sat down for more than five minutes at a time. Sleep is eluding me.
I had planned on being so organised this year (like every year!) and I was not going to rush around in December.
The Plan
I was going to buy all presents that needed to be posted in November, wrap and parcel them up and as soon as December hit, pop to the Post Office, in a calm and queue free way and they would be winging their way to grateful recipients in time to put under their trees. Christmas cards would be written at leisure, a few at a time, and posted in plenty of time. The Santa photo would be taken and printed in the middle of November, ensuring no last minute panics on that one. All Amazon orders would be completed before the prices of the must have toys and games doubled, and certainly before they were out of stock. The tree would be decorated on 1 December for the children to enjoy.
The Reality
I still haven’t done all of the shopping.
I ran out of cards before I got to the end of my list and have had to buy more; they are still not written.
I hate writing Christmas cards.
I have stood in many queues (with a grouchy toddler).
The Post Office is my new home as parcels are taken at random intervals when ready – soon they will know my name, rather than just thinking of me as the harassed Scottish woman. And, I missed the ‘last posting’ date.
I hate customs forms.
I posted an envelope full of photographs for my in-laws, without any stamps… I’m wondering how long it will take to get back to me so I can try again.
The Santa photo was delayed in the end because the wee girl decided to dive off the sofa and land on the iPad charger, face first.
I have been to the instant photo machine three times because I keep miscounting the number of Santa photos I need; I now, of course, have too many.
Christmas decorations are strewn all over the floor, and the tree still isn’t finished.
I daren’t look at Amazon.
’tis the season to be jolly… and exhausted!
Next year, I will be organised…
How are your Christmas preparations going?!
I’m linking this post up to #PoCoLo from Verily, Victoria Vocalises.
Oh no! This sounds totally horrendous. I wish I was nearer and could help you out – so sorry it’s been miserable x
It was not the best week, but I’m on top of things now :) Thanks for the lovely comment xx
After reading your post in a strange way its nice to know its not just my house that gets in a Christmas panic. I still think i’m in November and I’ve got ages to go. Need to get a move on I think.
I always promise myself I’ll be more organised! I’m glad to know it’s not just me too :)
Its the same here apart from the tree. I am slightly more organised then last year and am hoping I don’t have to rush around like a headless chicken on Christmas Eve finishing off!
I’m feeling a lot more organised now :) Especially as the tree is now up!
I should have read that post before commenting on your Gallery one!!
Would sending a nice photo collage by email instead of writing cards and having your parcels sent directly through Amazon work? xx
Amazon has now done a lot for me :) And next year, the Xmas photos WILL be done in time to get a card printed!
I think I’m probably more behind the curve than you! Usually so organised – this year complete chaos.
#pocolo
It’s the same every year, and being overseas I really need to be more on the ball with posting dates :) It’s actually quite comforting to hear that others also feel disorganised!
Oh, Sara, I feel your pain. This year I recruited hubby to do the Post Office runs but I still had to do the shopping myself. I haven’t written ANY Christmas cards yet, just the ones for Emma’s nursery(I had them bought from last year’s sales) and with her “help”.
Why do we do it to ourselves?! I still have to do the kids school/nursery cards… Task for today :)
Beats me…next year it will be worse, school!
Oh no! At least you made me feel better about my state of complete stress and disorganisation. Just wrote about it this last week. I really can’t seem to do anything in an organised way this year too… I do have the gifts, but no Santa picture, no cards, and no idea how to proceed. Ahhhhh. At least we’re together in misery ;)
Misery does love company, and it is actually quite comforting to hear others saying the same things, make me feel a bit better :) Must pop over and read your post xx
Oh Dear! Know that you are not alone, the holidays do this to all of us! Stress abounds. But I enjoyed your commentary on the day, it reminds all of us that we are all in this together.
Thank you – I think it does help to know you’re not alone – I had read lots of ‘organised’ posts, thought my ‘disorganised’ one might be helpful :)
I always sit somewhere between chaos and calm – can’t stand writing Christmas cards either!! Sorry to hear there is such chaos there – hope it calms down soon. Thank you for linking to PoCoLo x
Thanks Vicky, I’m on top of things now, for the most part :) Thanks for hosting xx
Thanks for this. It’s reassuringly similar to my December. I’d love to be more organised but then again, I’d rather have a life. ;-) Don’t put pressure on yourself to change a thing. I always think those people who have Christmas done and dusted by November have too much time on their hands. Besides, there’s something Christmassy about wrapping presents on Christmas eve. Enjoy! #pocolo
Thank you! There is an enormous amount of pressure to have a perfectly organised Christmas isn’t there? I simply don’t have the time :)