Can I just blame it on grandsons that don't give us a clue as to what they want for Christmas? I had two Kohls orders delivered yesterday.... not counting all the shopping at Kohls I did in person the other day. I have all these hoodies (I can share what is here cause none read this blog) and t-shirts that I bought for them - and now I'm thinking that is lame, and boring. But, what else can I get them that they may use? I'm thinking I will just give the hoodies and make up a batch of cookies for each one. I have no clue what they would want or even need. They are old enough, and most are working, so each can get what they need, right? I know I have said it all year... but I think this may be the deciding year. I think we will get to the place of one gift - or even a gift card - to each one... and back to us. One gift only. It will save them grief in trying to think of what to buy us, and vice versa. The only gift I want from any of them is seeing them and having time to catch up on their lives. As we often say about Jesus - all I want is their presence. I want to be able to let them know how loved they are. Most go all year without being heard from. Is that a crazy thought? Say no gifts or just one gift and then gather for a meal?
I had the procedure done on the back of my neck yesterday. I obviously misread - or didn't really understand - the biopsy report that I had received a month ago. I did have a basil cell carcinoma on the back of my neck. Glad I asked the dermatologist to 'get rid of this skin tag' when I had my annual body check. He didn't like the way it looked so sent it off for biopsy. He was right. So yesterday I had hubby drop me off (he insisted he had to drive me) and they cut about a dime size hole on the back of my neck and was able to get all the cells removed in that area in one try. It took five stitches to close it and I have a bandage on my neck. I can remove it this afternoon and put a bandaid on it, and hubby is insisting HE is going to be the one to take care of me; HE will change the bandage for me. I don't know what his problem is, but this over possessiveness is driving me insane. Thank goodness he was gone for awhile last night. He came home and asked if I needed it changed (no, they said wait 24 hours). He informs me AGAIN HE is going to be the one to change it. Whatever. He asked me again this morning when he brought in my coffee "when do you want to change your bandage?" I told him not until after the workout tonight. Jiminy Christmas! Leave me alone! No, it doesn't hurt; there was some pain as the numbness wore off, but it's fine this morning. The worst part has been my hair getting caught in the bandage and pulling.
Today I am back to work; I did get on for about 30 minutes yesterday and cleared out about 200 messages. I have 70 or so already since I checked it. My fav boss asked what was I doing on the computer and I told her. Just checking messages, although I did go ahead and schedule three meetings that was requested. I do need to make 2-3 batches of cookies today and take a loaf of my bread out of the freezer. Tomorrow I drive to Mesa for the BPN Christmas Potluck. The only reason I'm going is so that I can see friends that I haven't seen since last Christmas. Opted out of the white elephant exchange. I'm taking cookies and I'll ice the bread for cake and slice it. Need to find a tin that I can put in and just leave. Cookies go quick anyway. My fav boss is coming so we can complete our connecting for Friday. Yes, I'm off work again on Friday and she and I are going to brunch and shopping at the Christmas Idea House. So much fun! I think this is about our sixth year. She buys my ticket as part of my Christmas gift. I checked; it's not cheap either! But grateful she and I have something special to do at Christmas. I'll meet up with her on the 19th when I do another run to Mesa for the other boss department party. She is so appreciative of the food I make and give her that it is fun to do.
Next week isn't showing too busy yet - but I know I need to do more baking and start taking over to Ms. Vicky and Ms. Diane. Still haven't made it over to visit them. I just have too much to do and I feel like a hermit, but 'it is what it is'. I'm content staying home and baking and crocheting or working on my diamond art. Which reminds me, I pulled out my advent puzzle the other day and have day 4 ready to put together today. I have a lot of fun with puzzles and this is fun to have about 24 puzzle pieces a day to add up until the 24th, which the puzzle will then be complete. I will have to move it somehow off the table when we start our Christmas celebrations. Which, by the way, I think is going to work out. What am I talking about?
My youngest son and I chatted yesterday; he was bemoaning trying to get his family together. I finally told him for us to plan on December 30th to have Christmas together. His daughter and her boyfriend can ask for the day off work; few will ask for it because it is after the holiday. I am off work so will have time to pull everything together for a meal for them. So that's settled. I talked with my daughter and granddaughter last night and threw out December 21 or 22 to them. And since my other granddaughter is in another city, we need to wait and see how her husband's schedule works out for that week. And you know what I have discovered with all this?
We don't have to try and meet up Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day, and cram everyone's calendar full just so they can have time here. I'm ok with that. I really am. We can still call and exchange 'merry Christmas' (don't forget us!) but I'm ok with my children celebrating Christmas with their family without added stress of trying to include us. Hubby is ok with it too. We are starting a new tradition! Each of my children can work it out with their children to have Christmas together. We can always get together for a meal and all either before or after Christmas. It's ok. And in reality, it is less stress on me, if you think about it. I was cooking three meals within a two day time frame. This way I can plan the meals out and actually enjoy my family without thinking of the next meal I have to prepare. And they can enjoy the meal without having to think of where they need to be next! Win-Win - right?
So for right now - December 21 or 22 has been thrown out to the daughter and her family. The youngest has agreed to December 30th for his family. Just need to let my oldest son figure it all out with his family. I want each family to be able to have their own memories of being together. Rushing through opening gifts and/or playing games with one eye on the clock to go to grandma's isn't fun. I am giving them back their Christmas with their families. Less stress for everyone.
Christmas and gift giving isn't all about us anyway..... Christmas is about Jesus; His birth. His coming in to the world to bring us Grace, Salvation, Eternal life with Him. That's what Christmas is all about. This gift giving was started by the wise men for Jesus - and I feel we have carried the 'tradition' overboard at times, don't you? I'm going to start a new tradition with us. The above different dates for gathering, and an agreement of one gift given and received. How do you feel about that? I want to be with my family and enjoy them, not be rushing all the time to make sure everyone has enough gifts (oops, I did it again) and making sure the food for this clan is done. Does any of this make sense?
I'm really surprised that I'm ok with it all. Why? Because I'm one for tradition, and Christmas should be 'celebrated' on Christmas, right? Maybe God has been working on me this month and giving me this 'freedom' to celebrate any time and give back to my children the time of the holiday to spend with their own family.
Maybe that gift of time with their own family at Christmas is the best gift I can give them. Relieve their own stress of trying to fit us in. Grateful to God for bringing that idea to mind, and my heart letting go of some tradition, to have more of what I desire - time with family. Thank You, Jesus.
Blessings!
