Have you ever been at work, with only the very mundane busywork to get done, only to be distracted by thoughts of everything you need to get done at home? I have this thought pretty often (probably because I really hate mundane busywork), but especially so during the holidays.
I thought this year would be different. We aren’t going anywhere for Christmas or New Years, so I figured we would have time to just chill. And I don’t have to buy as many gifts because (a) we won’t be seeing as many people, and (b) we agreed last year that we would not buy clothes for the kids for Christmas until they started asking for clothes for Christmas, so that cut our shopping for them almost in half. So, why do I still have so much to do???
I’m sure part of the reason I’m feeling this way is because Brian started working a second job this week. I’m so thankful that he has this job, and so is he. It’s just that we never see each other now, so it’s almost like we are both acting like single parents right now. It’s kinda weird. Anyway, I’m sure that’s part of my issue.
That being said, I also actually have a lot to do. Here’s the list:
-Finish addressing Christmas cards, once I get the rest of the addresses that I need.
-Mail Christmas cards
-Shop for ingredients for cookies, candy, and fudge
-Make cookies, candy, and fudge
-Package cookies, candy, and fudge
-Distribute cookies, candy, and fudge
-Clean the house for Mom’s visit
-Pick mom up at the airport
-Get out the Christmas dishes that Brian hates but I love
-Wash those dishes (they can’t go in the dishwasher)
-Put away the dishes
-Finish shopping (I’m almost done, but the rest can’t be done until right before Christmas).
-Wrap everything
-Oh, I still have to get the Santa wrapping paper for The Girl (if you don’t know what I’m talking about, Santa wraps all of The Girl’s gifts in one paper, and all of The Boy’s gifts in another paper. That way he doesn’t have to worry about gift tags. You know that’s an awesome idea, right?)
-I’m guessing there will be some sort of last minute holiday thing at the school that I’m going to have to deal with.
-Shopping for Christmas dinner
-Make Christmas dinner
-Plan something for New Years Eve.
Now, I realize that many of things (like the plates, for example) I brought on myself. But, they are traditions, and I don’t want to give up any traditions, especially if I’m not participating in all of them (like the white elephant exchange our family does).
All of this to say that I want our holidays to be relaxing, but alas, I’m afraid it will be just as hectic as ever….maybe even more so, if you count that airport run….
Two Working Parents 
Leave a Reply