As I sat on hold for 15 minutes trying to reach a department store online website, it occurred to me I was not enjoying the holiday spirit. I’d decided to take advantage of the Black Friday sales and got online, only to be frustrated when the website went on strike and wouldn’t give me my discount. I enjoy giving gifts and had gone to a great deal of thought to place the order. Was saving 30% really worth the time and energy? I started second-guessing everything. Had I selected the right gifts? In my effort to save money had I spent too much? Anxiety tightened my shoulders. Because of this, when I want to get a saving on my shopping now, I’ll tend to check out what discounts and coupons are available to apply at the checkout of some of my favorite stores by looking at Raise. I would recommend it to anyone who’s working with a tight budget over the holiday season.
Each day, our postal carrier delivers tantalizing new catalogs. Hard to resist!
Glancing outside, I saw holiday lights going up around the neighborhood. One more project that needed tackling. Stress threatened to encompass me.
I hope this man is a professional and not a neighbor’s husband stringing these lights!
Deciding fresh air and exercise might ramp up my plummeting humbug mood, I put on walking shoes, and marched up a nearby hill, a good feeling because I’d left behind my list of must-do’s. And the ghastly TV news.
I respect those who shop early and have presents wrapped before Thanksgiving. In the old days, stores didn’t decorate for the holidays until after that day of feast and family. Now, some stores open on Thanksgiving Day. Maybe seeing their ads kindled my tension.
On my first venture into a real store looking for stocking stuffers, I didn’t know where to start!
I know several people who flat out don’t like Christmas. One woman recently told me this is a difficult time of year for her. I imagine her waiting in long lines and feeling she must send out cards and purchase gifts she perhaps can’t afford. Eating a handful of Christmas cookies because sweets are everywhere this time of year. Trying to meet unrealistic expectations can morph into depression.
Even pleasant childhood memories can lead to a melancholy frame of mind as we recall loved-ones no longer with us. I sure miss my parents. Or maybe we didn’t experience a happily-ever-after childhood Christmas we often witness in the movies and Christmas-themed books.
Four Amish-made placemats, napkins, and coasters, from Lancaster County, PA.
How about you? Is this your happiest time of the year? Do you find Christmas to be overwhelming or a piece of cake with your favorite icing? If the latter, what is your secret? Please leave a comment and enter to win these four Amish-made placemats, coasters, and napkins, plus a copy of one paperback from the Legacy of Lancaster County Trilogy: Leaving Lancaster, its sequel Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish. Winner has three days to respond to my email. USA and Canada.
Decembers are pretty busy for me as a church pianist, and when my children were growing up, they were really stressful with the added school events and shopping. But now that they are grown and simply, I do things like taking my daughter shopping and out to eat (she leads a campus ministry in Germany and isn’t home every Christmas, so these outings are special treats when they occur). This leaves me time to actually enjoy the rehearsals, Christmas program, and two Christmas Eve services that I play for. All that being said, Thanksgiving is still my favorite season. Just a cozy time to be with family and focus on God’s blessings.
Thanks for such a wonderful giveaway, Kate. Such a lovely design.
How wonderful that your daughter is home for Christmas, Carole! Your time and commitment to the congregation is a blessing, even if some might take the pianist for granted. Pianists who play for vocalists and choirs have a special and unique talent. I wish I could hear you. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love Christmas for being with family when possible. But I do stressed over having to buy gifts or give money as I have 32 in just my my family. It is hard and this isn’t counting my husband or myself. Have some friends that I would love to be able to get presents for too. Now that I have retired it is so hard. It makes me feel very stressed. But it is still a wonderful time of the year.
What a marvelous big family, Juanita! Not even including your husband. Wonderful as this time of year may be, I’d be stressed too. You’re putting my problems in perspective. Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Enjoy time with family & friends. But importanly it’s our Lord & Son’s day. That’s what makes it special for me. GL to all. It’s a great pkg to win. Thank You.
Thanks for writing, Kathy! I need to keep reminding myself what is truly important about Christmas and not get swept up into the commercial whirlwind, soon to be forgotten. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I used to be one of those that had my shopping done early and cards addresed in November. For some reason this year I am running behind. Very stressful knowing what I need to do. I did finish the shopping yesterday and got cards done. I am one of those that makes the old receipe fudge and candy. I think the cooking cocoa fudge beats all others. I need to get organized here this year. Glad this happens only once a year..I tuly love the placemats and would love to win them. Would be my perfect Christmas gift.. Thanks for the good reading Amish books.
So far I haven’t sent out a single card, Judy! Maybe they’ll be after-Christmas cards. Plus I like to leave a card and tip for all our recycle/garbage/postal carriers, etc. Congratulations on getting your shopping and cards done. Now on to more important things like fudge in candy. Sounds yummy. Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
These are so beautiful Kate.You have the most awesome giveaways.I love Christmas but it can be overwhelming.I just try o find the right presents,with a short budget it is really hard.I had to cut out Christmas cards because of the price of stamps now.And with the prices just keep going up at the grocery store it is hard to plan a good Christmas dinner.Times are hard and continue to get harder.Thanks for the chance to win these beautiful things and your book.Someone is going be very blessed.Merry Christmas!
Unfortunately, Christmas has become more overwhelming for me. With my husband working at a place that does not give time off at Christmas (unless you win the “lottery” for that day), a young daughter full of expectations, and a mom who is spiraling deeper and deeper into dementia, the demands upon me feel like a millstone. All I would really like to do is to go our church’s Christmas Eve service, but that will not be possible, so I’ve requested that the church live stream the service so that those of us that long to be there can at least be there in some way.
In the meantime, I try to make memories with my daughter, cherish the few moments on earth I have left with my mom…and pray that the Lord will see us through it all. I know He will – He always does!