December already!

I can't believe it is December already!

I remembered at bedtime last night that I needed to get out and tie up the little Advent bags I made last year...it didn't seem real to me that the end of November had come so fast.

(I put something special in one bag each night leading up to Christmas.)

It also doesn't look like the holiday season outside--we had so much rain lately, that yesterday we had quite an impressive flood out behind our house. And so far we have had only an extremely light dusting of snow which didn't last.

But, the calendar does say December 1st. Yikes!

You know, a little while ago I was in the dollar store (buying some Christmas tins to use for giving baked goods to Kira's friends). It was very busy, and I couldn't get over the feeling of almost panic that I sensed there. The feeling that I sense in every store this time of year. Everyone is frantically trying (or so it seems to me) to buy everything they need before it's too late. It is a very unpleasant feeling in the air. I would like to say that I am beyond all that holiday anxiety, but it wouldn't be true. I admit, I feel anxious right now too. I may not buy very many things, but there are so many things I would like to make for Christmas and I know I will get little of it done. It just seems that there are too many things going on in my life--all good things, but still. Sometimes I feel like I have more blessings than I can take!

(Actually, I have been considering lately giving up blogging. I love it, but I just have so much to do, and I seem to be having a harder and harder time, since the baby was born, to find time for it. I haven't made any decisions yet, just thinking about it.)

It's strange, that this time of year, when the darkness and cold should be forcing us to slow down and hibernate, we instead pick up the pace, rush around buying things, baking things, making things. Even for someone like me who is trying to keep our holidays low key--I am not even exchanging gifts with the extended family, and we will only be attending one party this year--I still have a lot to do. I can't tell you about the projects I want to do, of course, for those children of mine who can read.

I will say though, the quilt I am making for Jasper is simply NOT coming along at all. Day after day I try to find time to work on it, but it doesn't happen...but somehow the kids manage to spend time in my work room even if I don't, and mess it up to the point where I'm going to have to clean it for half an hour before I will be able to do anything. *sigh*

It doesn't help that Amy just cut another tooth. I am just not getting enough sleep. My energy levels are not what they should be, despite all the vitamins I take and the water I drink. I know all the moms out there understand, so I won't complain any more. :)

One project I hope I'll have time for is making some festive garlands to decorate up the house--I'd like to use some fabric scraps I have to make a yo-yo garland or two, like this one I saw here:

I feel so lucky that earlier this year, a friend gave me a big stack of Christmas fabric squares, among other fabric. I know I will be using up these bits for years to come!

Of course, December also means baking. I have a list of things I want to make: Chocolate covered pretzels, like we make every year, candy cane bark, date squares, truffles, sugar cookies, and cherry shortbread. Nothing in the list is too complicated, I should be able to manage it all.

Does anyone have a favourite truffle recipe they'd like to share? I think maybe when I get started on my baking, I'll make the truffles first...I could use a few myself. :)

By the way, for anyone who wants to spend some time reading with a big mug of tea...the Winter edition of Rhythym of the Home is up (our Etsy shop is a sponsor there). For those not familiar with it, it's a quarterly magazine for parents filled with lovely seasonal craft ideas, recipes, interviews, and articles about family life and celebrations. Just throwing that out there!

Comments

[Natalie]

I know exactly what you are talking about...Last year, we noticed that every time we tried to go to a store in December (even November in some places), and we all left flustered and out of sorts. This year, we are trying to avoid going anywhere other than the grocery store. May I throw a suggestion out there for you...it won't help for this year, but you could use it next year...I make a few batches of cookie dough in October when there is not too much scheduled and put it in the freezer (I actually make 2 kinds of dough at a time, three times). That way, when I am ready for Christmas baking, I just have to thaw out the dough and slice it or roll it or whatever the recipe calls for and in no time at all I have a variety of cookies for the teachers, without all the mess when I am trying to get everything else done as well.
Thank you for sharing, and I have to say I would miss you if you stopped blogging, but I understand you have to prioritize.

[Emily]

I hope you don`t stop blogging, but as a busy Mother I would totally understand if you do.

[Plain and Joyful Living]

Laura,
Thinking of you and feeling much the same I am sure - I love what you wrote about have too many blessings, such a positive way to look at things.

[Ellen]

I sense that 'panic' too but I think this year, it's coming more from me. I had all these good intentions to make and be creative and here it is...a few weeks before Christmas and practically nothing attended to. I used to make truffles. I'll try searching for a recipe. I know 101 Cookbooks has a chocolate 'cake' recipe that is basically a big truffle - tastes like the ganache filling inside of one. Maybe use that, but roll into balls then roll in cocoa?

[Lesa]

I really hope you don't stop blogging. I always get such a peaceful feeling when reading your blog entries, and I learn a lot of neat things too. However, you have to do what is best for you and your family, I understand. Just know that you would definitely be missed.

[heather]

Laura,
I think that moms of many know exactly how you feel. I have found that just not feeling obligated to blog has freed me up. I know that's easier said than done though. :)
I hope that your package arrived safely to you and that you'll get some time to quilt. If it makes you feel any better, Layton's quilt has been a WOP for months now. I have times when I can work a little on it for 3 or 4 days in a row but then I won't even look at it for weeks. Life is just busy and I will get it done at some point! :)
Hope that you and your family enjoy your weekend.

[Leigh]

I love the idea of chocolate covered pretzels. I've never tried that before. It's true, this time of year can get to feeling hectic. Every year I say I'm going to start sooner, but never do!

Your life is so busy, and with a new baby, I understand why you think about not blogging. I would hate for that to happen, but agree your family is your priority.

[Kim @ Homestead Acres]

I agree, I don't like being in stores from about mid Nov to early Jan. They are so busy. I'm making most of our gifts this year as well. But I'm trying to pick things that are easy to make so I wont feel rushed. Each year I say I will start in Jan and each year "life" gets in the way. But I'm really going to try this year. :)

I've taken blogging breaks before. I post when I can and just don't let myself feel like I have to post each day. I do love reading your blog when you have time to share. :)

[Kim @ Homestead Acres]

Oh I forgot to say, I LOVE your advent bags!

[Lindsay]

I was in the grocery store the other day and also felt that panicked, all-a-buzz feeling that the holidays bring. So many people had SO MUCH stuff packed into their carts, rushing around... I almost had an anxiety attack from the feeling in the air. Ugh! I'm avoiding going out as much as possible until the holidays are over :)