Beech Tree News Network

 Christmas is less than a week away, and I’m beginning to relax! I may not have everything marked off my to-do list, but it is close enough. We’re ready for Christmas at the Craig house!

Wondering about the preparation that others have for the holidays, I searched online and found that many report using their time for shopping, decorating, and cooking. I shop, but nothing like I did when my children were young. I decorate inside my house and love to cook; these things are not a hardship. One of the things I have discontinued is sending Christmas cards. Although I have always enjoyed sending them, I decided that currently that chore requires too much.

Last week, I asked friends and family about their preparation: “In less than two weeks, Christmas will arrive. Are you ready? If not, how much is left to do?” Their responses were:

·         I’m halfway ready. Still have stuff to buy.

·         I’m 10% done. I’ve gotten a few presents (I need to clean, decorate, cook, and finish shopping, but I’m not overly stressed over those tiny details.).

·         I might be 50% done. Lots left for the last minute.

·         Not ready. Maybe 55-60% done. Still need a few things. Tree is up. No wrapping yet.

·         I am about 95% done. I have about 4 more gifts to get, and I’m ready!

·         I’m 90% done! Just need to pick up a couple of things!

·         Mostly done. Looking for sales and fun things. I need to do some baking and candy making. I miss having young children around!

·         On track, 75% done.

·         No, I’m not ready. Not sure, but probably 90% done with gifts.

·         All done except grocery shopping and cooking a simple dinner.

·         70%. Still need to finish shopping for gifts then wrap them.

·         I’m as ready as I will ever be!

·         I’m at 75%. I still need to wrap everything and make Chex mix!

·         I’m in the same place you are, but I’m beginning to sweat a bit on the details.

·         I am getting pretty close to being done. I have 4 or 5 more gifts to buy and stocking stuffers. I don’t have any of my groceries for Christmas yet, but I’m not counting that.

·         I am 90% finished shopping but have not wrapped a thing. I did ALL of my shopping online this year. First time I have ever done that, but it was much less stressful.

·         I might be 50% done. Lots left for the last minute.

·         I am 55% done, but am making candy and cookies this weekend, going shopping two more times, and need to wrap. Ok, never mind, I’m 25% done!

·         I have about 20% left! I need about three more presents, and I have to go grocery shopping for our dinner.

I believe we should put most of our energy into having fun and seeing friends and family. Accordingly, since my Christmas preparation is mostly done, I think I’ll watch a few Hallmark movies – and enjoy! Merry Christmas!