I’ve been reading a lot of blogs and looking at pictures of incredible people who not only make their own lavish presents, but also make their own paper, ribbons, and probably their own version of Scotch tape. These homes are immaculate, decorated tastefully with fresh pine boughs, silver ribbons and tall goblets of fragile silver bulbs on linen tablecloths with gleaming china.
Seriously?
My house looks something like this. (Not pictured: two cats and three litter boxes):
Okay, it’s not MY house, as you probably guessed since the picture quality is too good, but it’s similar to mine.
Like most of you, I have spent the past few weeks baking, wrapping, entertaining, visiting, buying, shopping, cooking, decorating, writing cards, calling friends, going to work and trying to keep up with volunteer duties. There are no fresh mistletoe boughs, pine sprigs or pretty vegetable and brie trays adorning my dining room table. I can barely find my dining room table.
Several years ago I was a professional house cleaner. I enjoy house cleaning. Chaos makes me crazy. I like to think my house is always ready for company, including food in the freezer and clean sheets in the guest room, just in case.
But during the holiday season, it all goes to hell.
Fresh pine boughs? You have got to be kidding me. The best I could do was five clear Mason jars with citronella tea candles in the sun porch windows. Simple and kinda pretty. And completely mosquito-free!
Still, I love this season. I love writing out cards and catching up with friends and going to visit and having people drop in for coffee. Chaos be damned, it’s a great time of year.
So some time next week, the clutter will be lifted, the house will be cleaned, the cats will have fresh litter in their boxes, and all will be right(er) with the world.
Hope the same can be said for you. Thank you for being a reader this year, even if you’re just lurking. (I do it, too. But maybe leave a note next year? I will if you will.) Thanks for the presents, the cards and notes, the visits and the invites. Thanks for making the world a funner place.
Write if you get a chance.
And have yourself a merry little Christmas!
And. . . a very Merry Christmas right back at you!
YOU make the world a funner place my friend! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Looking forward to many more humorous and heartwarming blog posts of yours in 2012!
merry christmas to you too dear friend!
Salt & Pepper Kathy also wished you a great Christmas.
I, too, love reading your blog. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!