As soon as Halloween is over, the stores put out all their Christmas stuff. Pretty and even one store has its Christmas music playing. The store, mall and street decorations are beginning to emerge. For most Canadians used to "the hussle and bussel" of Christmas, the women at least have made lists and have preparation well under way. Work parties, a family get together and other social events will be starting in a few weeks. So at week six to Christmas, what has been started- a list, letters to troops sent out on November 11th, a "Santa workshop" corner in a room to wrap gradually, 2 out of town boxes with presents wrapped and addressed to be sent the end of November to arrive mid-December, online gift baskets ordered to arrive December 19th, Christmas newsletter drafted to be revised, and the routine of putting up the outdoor Christmas lights mid-November-hoping to put them up November 16th.
By doing the tasks slowly and having a methodical plan that has been useful for decades, the season can be enjoyed without going crazy. Yes doing all this preparation, support and help to my working daughters will occur. I can have the kids while they shop or do other Christmas preparation or go to work functions.
Shopping and more shopping will begin to accelerate over the next few weeks. Shopping at stores, ordering on line or just buying gift cards are options. Gift cards are a last resort for that person who is difficult or you are too exhausted to try to come up with an original idea. For the home crafters, knitters, sewers and crocheters, 6 weeks still gives time to make some wonderful items or unique decorations for the home. If no time, go to the many craft sales big and small- we have one in the GTA early December with crafters from across the province and country- the ONE OF A KIND CRAFT SHOW AND SALE- or most local Churches have a Christmas event often renting tables to local crafters. For those beautiful handmade items, support that local crafter. I know my sister-in-law Edna makes beautiful knitted Christmas stockings year round in her area in New Brunswick as a small cottage industry. So at week 6, make a list, have a plan, get out the calendar and mark the events, have targets of getting things done- slowly and methodically, assess what has been happening in your life this year- if it has been tough, less is more- , reduce the expectations to make everything "perfect", nice and ordinary is just fine. Remember the loved ones around you will enjoy the moments rather than the expense. 6 weeks is a lot of time- so approach the season well rested and deciding what is important in your life. Have you begun to prepare yet?
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