Annie, the only failure with HGP is not doing a single thing toward your goal of having a peaceful and stress free holiday surrounded by those your love. And that failure is to yourself. No one else cares if the cookies were baked or store bought, but we do. No one else cares if we hand made all these decorations, but we know the love and effort put into each one. We do it for ourselves because we have such a deep compassion for the spirit of Christmas and our families.
I too have felt the disappointment of not having every tiny little thing done when life got in my way of HGP. All that changed when my youngest son was in a critical motorcycle accident in November, right in the middle of my HGP. My home, my decorations, my menu's nor gifts meant anything suddenly. My whole life are those I love. If they aren't in it then what's the point of decorations, menu's or gifts. Thankfully, I'd had HGP because even with the unforeseen accident I was far more ready than most of my friends and family who were just getting started on Black Friday.
December 2010 he and I were together when a constuction truck broadsided us on our way home from Christmas shopping. I was finished my shopping, but was helping him pick out a gift. The majority was already on track and done thanks to HGP so I didn't have that horrible stress on top of my injuries.
Last year we lost my MIL a week before Thanksgiving. I had followed HGP faithfully during August and September then began caring for her until she passed away. I was okay when I realized that I had still done more to prepare for my holidays than 90% of the people I knew who were just running out to buy a turkey.
You see, life is what's really important here and we shouldn't work LIFE around HGP but HGP around what is really important, LIFE. It's a simple and wonderful guideline to help keep us focused and a great reminder for those often overlooked details but it is not meant to take over our lives in any way.
You'll find out what works best for you and we'll be right there to cheer you on whether you get your cards mailed on November 30th or December 20th. If your binder is a spiral notebook or a scrapbooking masterpiece we'll still be so proud that you made the time to organize your holidays. If your home decor rivals Biltmore Estates or simply showcases special touches of Christmas here and there we'll still think it's absolutely georgeous.
Understand, it's not about a spotless house, a Martha Stewart showcase or meals fit for a king. It's about you! If you are happy, relaxed and enjoying your holidays then it's a PERFECT Christmas.