Christmas, a time of Cheer!

Every year I look forward to the fun of the preparations and upcoming traditions of the Holidays with energy, excitement and much ambition.

But while in the process, I seem to spiral downhill until I just can't wait till the "big day" is over and I can just not think about it anymore. It's true. So here are a few of the things that I have realized about me in my effort to determine where the problems lie and where i need to change my expectations.

And I realize that with each intention comes a little dose of reality... 

Intention                                                                       

Baking will be a time where the children and I do some bonding as we happily make the perfect treats and listen to uplifting, high spirited Christmas music.

Reality

Where this might be the case in the beginning, but after someone adds who knows what to the cookie mix, I clean up at least 2 spills from the counter and/or floor, fingers keep digging in the dough and there is hardly anything left to bake, all I want to do in the end is get. it. over-with! Is it considered a bonding experience to snap at your children (only occassionally) and finally be relieved when they give up and leave the kitchen altogether? I didn't think so! But wait, I'm sure they still know I love them. :D *puh*

                                          (Baking for the Holidays? What a great idea! Right?)

Intention

The house will be decorated to create a warm, festive, comfortable ambiance for all who enter. They will leave with an added ounce of Christmas cheer and love for all mankind!

Reality

There are an endless amount of totes blocking passage into the mud room. Reindeer that haven't been put out yet, blocking the path from Garage door to house and the house is a mess (to put it lightly) Ev-er-y where! As well as a half hazard attempt at hanging garland on the banister and a rushed tree assembly and decorating (that actually doesn't turn out that bad after all). Toys are strewn all over the floor and shoes are anywhere you look. After all, there are at least seven pairs of them. Wait, be careful not to trip on your way down the stairs because somebody is going to actually take up that whatever they left there 2-3 days ago and ClOSE YOUR EYES because that potty training two year old is streaking in full glory again (being in a house full of boys...that's a BIG deal!).

                               (Pathetic!)



(embarassing!)
Intention
Christmas Cards will be made in October. Stresslessly addressed in November. Sent out the day after Thanksgiving.

Reality
Didn't have the time to even start cards until November. Sat down to start them only to have to order and gather necessary supplies (which didn't actually get rounded up until the middle of November) at which time life got busy and chaotic. November ended and here we are 2 weeks before Christmas frantically finishing cards and gathering addresses. Hoping for the possibility they will make it to at least half the people on the list *(which had to be re-made because of computer file loss) in time.

Intention
Christmas shopping will start during "after Christmas sales" and end just after black Friday. All presents nestled under the tree or wrapped in their "Santa hiding place". 

Reality
Totally reliant on the black Friday sales although there are a couple videos and books stashed in hiding (only because I forgot they were there to give as end of the school year gifts or Birthday presents). And...presents wrapped? Yeah. Just before the children will open them 8 hours later. Lovely. 

Sincerely. I must be doing something wrong. But all in all, in the end...at least the children are happy, caught a glimps of what is most important and, I might reluctantly add, I'm glad I went to the effort. So I must also be doing something right.

Right?

Or is this just an illusion and all the kids will need years of therapy long after they leave home?