Ready or Not . . . CHRISTMAS Is Coming!

We've reached the end of November today, having tucked one holiday under our belts. For some who ate a little too much it may be peeking out around it even. Just like the past few months November blew by us in the hustle and bustle of colorful leaves, several rain showers, autumnal farm chores and a family gathering. It is such a gentle month, full of reasons to count our blessings more than once, as the days tick down towards winter.

Even as the calendar counts down the last 22 days of Autumn. I do know for many the "Christmas push" started way before Thanksgiving. I was quite surprised and saddened to find Christmas lights already on display on a few houses back at the end of October. A few "big box" stores had even started stocking shelves with Christmas items. Even before the turkeys had started chillin in the grocery stores. I do understand planning ahead, but to set out those items before you've even celebrated the holiday for the month your in, is plain wrong. No wonder our minds are over-whelmed! We're trying to focus on TOO many holidays and all of their details at once.

I for one believe that we could learn a lesson from our fore-fathers of early America. For them each holiday was celebrated on the day assigned. With the weeks, days leading up to them given over to thoughts about and anticipation for each holiday. They knew how to embrace them in fullness of heart and mind. Celebrated with thankfulness and simplicity. Yep! We need to over-haul our thinking and practices about the holidays we try to celebrate. Okay ~ off my soapbox now and on to more of why I was writing today.

In my line of thinking this morning, I decided that if I was to post my plans before you for this week. Then I would be more likely to stick with them, as accountability holds great power. Accomplishing my goals while not tiring myself out in the process would be a benefit to all who live around me. I love the different decorating items that come with each season and holiday. My biggest collection for sure centers around Christmas. I love the abundance of colors and cherished items I can use to bring a touch of cheerfulness to our home.

This can be a busy month for us IF we let someone else dictate our schedules. As there are work/office parties, school events, invites from friends, church activities, and family get-togethers to keep us extra busy if we try to make each one. Sometimes it can be even busier because of our own choosing or lack of focused organization. I have found it best to map out the needs of my family first. To tentatively pencil in the truly special events we enjoy having as part of our celebration next. Then add in as my body and mind allows any extras I feel led to do. That way I can arrive on Christmas eve with a rested body, well prepared mind and a peaceful heart.

So here's the start of my Christmas plans for this week. Set of course in pencil, because we all know how plans can change in the blink of an eye. It's best to remain flexible and adaptable in order to not find ourselves shattered on the floor like a fallen ornament from being stubborn about what we have mapped out for the holiday.

Here's my decorating schedule for the first week of December. With appropriate cleaning to be done in each room prior to ~

Nov. 30

Master Bedroom ~ set for sweet dreams and romance

Guest Room ~ ready & waiting for sleep overs.

Dec. 1

Living Room ~ our family & friends gathering place

Christmas Tree ~ A reminder of the reason we celebrate

Dec. 2

Kitchen ~ making a cheerful place for holiday baking and meal preps

Dinning Room ~ setting a pleasant atmosphere for our shared meals

Dec. 3

Bathroom ~ little luxuries to pamper & bless

Multi-function Room; office, craft area and "Command central"

Dec. 4

Outside Entrances ~ lending a cheerful "welcome home" each time we enter in.

Front Porch ~ our Holiday face to the world

Laundry Room ~ who says you can't have a lovely space to do a dirty chore?

There it is my work orders for the week. Will they get accomplished? Only by weeks end will we know. One thing for sure if I do, then I will have a home ready to celebrate in and only minimal upkeep for the rest of the month. Freeing my time to spend on the really important things and prepping my heart and mind for the reason why we celebrate this "Holy-day".

What do you have planned? Share your secrets for staying sane during the fast paced rush towards the 25th of December. If I get inspired I may even post a few pictures along with my progress. But then the whole idea is to keep things simple, so will have to wait and see how my days pan out.

Apron on, dust rag in hand and Christmas music playing to keep in step to,

Deborah