Big Daddy: What makes you so restless, have you got ants in your britches?
Brick: Yes, sir...
Big Daddy: Why?
Brick: Something...hasn't...happened...
Big Daddy: Yeah? What is that?
Brick: The click...
Big Daddy: Did you say the click?
Brick: Yes, click.
Big Daddy: What click?
Brick: A click that I get in my head that makes me peaceful.
Big Daddy: I sure in hell don't know what you're talking about, but it disturbs me.
Brick: It's just a mechanical thing.
Big Daddy: What is a mechanical thing?
Brick: This click that I get in my head that makes me peaceful. I got to drink till I get it.
- Tennessee Williams, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
This may be a peculiar analogy, but I feel the same way as Brick when it comes to the whole Christmas thing. I have ants in my britches, frantically rushing around trying to get everything done, working my way through my list of "to-dos", positive that I can't possibly get all of the things done which I believe I must do in order to create the perfect Christmas for my family.
Then suddenly, I reach a point when, even though I still have a bunch of stuff to do, I get "the click" (and no, I'm not on an egg nog binge, it's a different kind of click). I just finally reach a place where the end is in sight and I'm peaceful and able to relax and breath and enjoy the season, knowing that it will all come together in the end.
I finally got the click...yesterday. The house is decorated. All the presents are purchased. The East Coast and Texas presents are shipped (thanks for the help Mr. Amazon). Christmas Eve's Feast of the Seven Fishes is mostly planned. Now I just have to finish up the last minute to-dos and sing Christmas carols and maybe I'll even get to enjoy a bit of egg nog as well. Jude and I are reading all of our favorite Christmas books together (for our list of our favorite Christmas books read THIS).
It is finally the most wonderful time of the year.
What I have accomplished...
- Miraculously, there was no Great Teacher Gift Debacle this year. Previous years haven't been as fortunate (HERE, which involves 46 lbs. of vicious onions, and HERE, which involves misadventures with baking soda). This year, I decided to give the teachers booze, because if I was a teacher, that's what I'd want. I made Homemade Citrus Infused Vodka, and put it in jars. It looks really pretty, I hope it is tasty.
- Since I am an abject failure when it comes to taking a decent picture of my child, I finally decided to go with this for our Christmas card, and I think they turned out pretty cute...
- Thanks to my friend Regina, I found this website called Soap Opera Jewelry, which sells knockoffs of jewelry worn on the soaps. Mommy is going to flip out when she opens her Christmas package and finds out that we not only got her the cheap handbag I mentioned last week, but also a choker and earrings just like the ones worn by Tracy Quartermaine on General Hospital!
What I have yet to accomplish...
- Wrapping. But I have the paper and ribbons, so it's easy peasy.
- Mailing of the cards. But I have the address labels all done, so I just need to sit down and do the envelope stuffing and stamping. And honestly? If they're late I don't give a damn.
- Baking. I need to do a little baking. At least a couple of kinds of cookies for Jimmy and Jude to deliver to the neighbors on Christmas Eve.
and then of course there's the whole...
- Cooking a five-course, seven fish meal for Christmas Eve thing. But seriously, I see the whole thing as a fabulous holiday production and I'm the writer/director/star! So I have fun with that.
Until then, I'm going to be fa-la-la-la-laing as much as possible. Hmmm...I think I'll DVR all of my favorite Christmas movies. And maybe I'll make a special playlist for Christmas Eve! Oh! I think it's time that I actually allow myself to buy my favorite kind of eggnog! Or maaaaaaybe I'll make myself a Peppermint Martini. Ooo, yes! That sounds festive...
___________________________________
Link your spin on It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year in the linky below. Don't forget to visit the other spinners for more wondrous holiday spinning!
Share your spin!
Highlight the code.
Copy to your HTML.
Et voila! Linked!
I really wish I was one of Jude's teachers right now! One year a student's parent gave me a couple bottles of wine. :)
Emmy and I read Jan Brett's The Night Before Christmas last night. I love her illustrations. I need to go check out your book list!
Posted by: Ginny Marie | 12/20/2013 at 05:07 AM
Your vodka bottles are a great idea!! For three months I have wanted to do this with tequila and pineapple and jalapenos...and never did! Love Jude's photo. I cannot wait to hear about Mommy's reaction to her gift. When she gets the mail does she open it right away that day?
Posted by: Michele R. | 12/20/2013 at 05:22 AM
I still have several presents to wrap. I've completely given up on cards. And of course we have a Santa visit to coordinate. I do have all my shopping done. Nick does not, however. Tis the season all men procrastinate, right?
Posted by: VandyJ | 12/20/2013 at 07:12 AM
Jude's teachers are so lucky! ;) Looks like you have your stuff together. I love the fact you do the fish thing on Christmas Eve like my family does. Very cool!
Posted by: Kristina Walters | 12/20/2013 at 09:07 AM
Feeling pretty smug right now because I 'got' the Tennessee William's reference. Probably because I clicked yesterday. Sort of embarrassing during work. ;-)
Booze is always an appropriate gift. Don't forget your friendly librarian. We like booze as much or more than just about anyone.
Posted by: Michele | 12/20/2013 at 09:11 AM
I get the click ... I do I think I am starting to feel it !!!! Enjoy your Seafood Feast! Marisa
Posted by: marisa | 12/20/2013 at 03:27 PM
Booze! Yes!
I'm at the same stage in my Christmas preparations. Presents bought, but not a one wrapped.
Posted by: Angelina Costenaro | 12/20/2013 at 06:10 PM