Today, May 7th, I am feeling VERY CHRISTMASSY! Why, you may ask? Well......... there are LOTS of different kinds of feelings that we have in December.... as Christmas Day gets closer.... and one of the feelings is..... "kind of overwhelmed".
I will describe the feeling to you -- see if it sounds familiar? I'm preparing for a big party tomorrow....... which - in my mind - is my Christmas Open House for friends and neighbors.
AND -- there is LOT to do over the next two days! (Even though I have prepared as much as possible in advance!) AND..... this is SO MUCH EASIER than doing an ACTUAL Open House at Christmas!
Why is it easier? Well.... most important..... there are NO other Christmas things going on right now! HOWEVER.... there are LOTS of "real life things" going on...... and, at Christmas, lots of "real life things" will also be going on! And -- ADDING Christmas events to our "real life events" creates a lot to do!!!
PLUS -- there is no "Christmas decorating" going on for this party. I'm not buying and wrapping presents, sending cards, travel plans, attending school and community Christmas events, etc. etc. And this party is pretty easy -- I am using paper plates, plastic silverwear, etc. Although I am buying the ice, and setting up the coolers; setting out all the furniture and closing the streets -- etc. it is still easier than preparing for an "inside" party!!! (Although things have to look nice -- because people come in to use the bathroom, use the phone, change a child's diapers, etc. etc.)
But... I do feel a lot of "pressure" to make sure that the party is a success!
So..... it reminds me how much pressure I would be feeling if this party WERE being held a Christmas. (People getting sick.... maybe even ME getting sick before the party. People coming into the house with wet coats and wet boots and gloves. Etc. Etc.
Bottom Line: I am VERY happy that I am giving my Christmas Open House THIS weekend!