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Post by elaine on Dec 23, 2020 19:55:14 GMT
I have SO MUCH to do in the next 36 hours. My family does the big Christmas Eve dinner, so that needs to be on the table by 5 pm tomorrow.
I just finished cleaning out the fridge to make space for incoming holiday food that is being delivered from Wegman’s and Whole Foods in a couple of hours.
I still need to clear off my craft table to make room for holiday snacking food 🍱.
I need to set the kitchen table for Christmas- put on the holiday tablecloth and placemats, etc.
I need to finish wrapping the presents Dh got for me.
I need to prep the roast for tomorrow and make rolls. And sausage balls - although I may make those tomorrow.
Then there is all the cooking for the big dinner tomorrow.
I have so much to do and have no idea where my motivation has gone this year. I just don’t want to do most of it. I think that being home so much has been worse for me getting things done than when I was running around doing errands and fitting the chores in.
If you see my motivation, tell it to go home, its mother is calling it. 🤣 (and then come here and tell me I’m not alone in feeling like a slug who is getting nothing done). 😜
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Post by catmom on Dec 23, 2020 19:59:08 GMT
My motivation's pretty low too. I would say if you're not feeling it than give yourself permission to skip it (other than preparing the food itself I guess) or enlist family to help.
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Post by snugglebutter on Dec 23, 2020 19:59:14 GMT
I'm in slug mode too. We had a plumbing crisis that set everything back about half a day, which didn't help. And the toddler is getting his 2 year molars.
I don't even know exactly what our Christmas breakfast or dinner will be. We have cinnamon rolls but I need some kind of egg dish. We have a ham but no firm plan on sides.
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Post by Linda on Dec 23, 2020 20:01:44 GMT
my motivation is lacking this year too - I figure what gets done, gets done and if the rest is important to someone, they can help with it. Right now - we don't have a tree yet.
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Post by elaine on Dec 23, 2020 20:05:58 GMT
I'm in slug mode too. We had a plumbing crisis that set everything back about half a day, which didn't help. And the toddler is getting his 2 year molars. I don't even know exactly what our Christmas breakfast or dinner will be. We have cinnamon rolls but I need some kind of egg dish. We have a ham but no firm plan on sides. Our furnace died on Friday and we had to have it replaced on Monday. They were here all day. Teething toddlers are so miserable at times, and so is everyone else around them when they are.
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Post by candleangie on Dec 23, 2020 20:11:26 GMT
It’s out gallivanting around town with my missing brain! Last spotted running down the streets wearing a panda onsie and a lampshade!
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Post by hmp on Dec 23, 2020 20:13:00 GMT
I’ll be pulling an all nighter trying to get things done. It feels like a college final exams all nighter. No fun. No joy. I can’t wait for this miserable year to be over!
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inkedup
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,837
Jun 26, 2014 5:00:26 GMT
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Post by inkedup on Dec 23, 2020 20:23:47 GMT
Maybe my motivation and your motivation are together on a beach somewhere. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and I think I've said "this is as good as its going to get" a hundred times today.
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Post by jubejubes on Dec 23, 2020 20:29:15 GMT
Maybe my motivation and your motivation are together on a beach somewhere. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and I think I've said "this is as good as its going to get a hundred times today. I think that my motivation is getting drinks for all of us to enjoy on the beach. None at all. I will be alone for all of Christmas, so it really doesn't matter at all.
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Post by peasapie on Dec 23, 2020 20:32:33 GMT
I'm motivated to do small things ... and overwhelmed looking at your list! I'd be busy thinking up ways to eliminate half that stuff. Can you get your husband to set the table and wrap the gifts he bought you?
My list: wrap a few presents; make cioppino for Christmas Eve dinner make lasagna for Christmas day. Maybe make a second batch of cookies.
I'm currently busy watching White Christmas.
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Post by tc on Dec 23, 2020 20:42:13 GMT
It's probably with mine passed out in an alley somewhere after drinking peppermint schnapps. I have two handmade gift projects that are still on my "to give" list, but one is only halfway done and has hours and hours left on it and the other is only about a 2 hour project, but I haven't started. Both may just get cut because I don't care. I haven't finished wrapping - including the gifts I need to give TOMORROW. I don't have all the food in the house yet. Somehow we ran out of paper towels. But now it's a snow/ice/white out mix outside and I have a couple of hours of my day job left for today and I don't want to do ANY OF IT - far less go anywhere to pick up the last missing food and paper items that we should have to get through the next three days or so. My manicotti may turn in to spaghetti pie. And we may just use rags for a few days rather than paper towels. And no fruit for Christmas dinner. We'll live. Guarantee you I end up on the couch watching "Chuck" episodes for a fourth day in a row around 8pm tonight.
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Post by MichyM on Dec 23, 2020 20:54:38 GMT
I hope you find it, that’s a lot to get done in a short amount of time girl! Should we kick you out if we see you around here any more today?
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 11, 2024 8:02:44 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 23, 2020 20:59:49 GMT
elaine That sounds like a LOT on your shoulders, missy!!! WOW! 20 years ago that would have been a small peek into my normal world, but not anymore. I'm finding it IMPOSSIBLE to even make a grocery list and go food shopping. Grocery stores are closed here on Christmas and that's looming over my head. I have today and part of tomorrow to get what I need, but it's only 3 of us. Sorry, but this year we might just really be slugs and stay in pajamas and not be on a timetable. The only thing for sure so far is that I'm making my sauce/meatballs with ravioli for Christmas dinner. NO idea what we're doing for Christmas Eve yet........ Ughhh! Hope you get motivated and get some things crossed off of your list!! Good luck and Merry Christmas!!
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Post by ~summer~ on Dec 23, 2020 21:01:26 GMT
My motivation is epic low today too. I’ve barely left my bedroom today. I need to get up and get moving but my New Yorker keeps sucking me in.
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Post by elaine on Dec 23, 2020 21:02:40 GMT
I hope you find it, that’s a lot to get done in a short amount of time girl! Should we kick you out if we see you around here any more today? Nah! But thanks. I just brought a bunch of things down to the laundry room in the basement - tools and picture hanging hardware we had sitting around, along with a bunch of painting supplies from our bathroom remodel in November. I am using dropping in here as a reward for each little task I get done. If I didn’t have that, I’d just give up and watch football bowl games. 😂 I am glad to know that my motivation is partying hardy with a bunch of yours - hopefully they are on a warm beach somewhere with their toes in the sand. ❤️
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Post by jeremysgirl on Dec 23, 2020 21:05:45 GMT
I think that being home so much has been worse for me getting things done than when I was running around doing errands and fitting the chores in. I agree 100%. I actually had to go into a store last weekend (Jeremy even does our groceries) and I was there for like 20 minutes total and I came home at 9:30 am and was like whew! enough errands for me! I'm not sure what I'll do once the world opens up again. I want to see specific people, but I'm not sure I really want to go out into the world anymore. Ha. I hope you find your motivation. That to do list would have me intimidated too. Maybe you could break it up into 15 minute tasks?
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Post by snugglebutter on Dec 23, 2020 22:53:19 GMT
I did get a little more done! Baked all of the molasses cookie dough, started the IP for dinner and had the big kids do some laundry. Tonight I want to finish wrapping and either Dh or I will do a quick grocery run in the morning.
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Post by gar on Dec 23, 2020 23:03:13 GMT
This year has made it hard to self motivate at times hasn’t it . In my part of England we were told today that as of midnight Fri/Sat morning we are in a higher restrictions tier. We have already cancelled all plans to see anyone over Christmas anyway. So the normal buzz of prep ahead of family arriving etc has disappeared and I’m literally now thinking ‘what shall I do tomorrow?’ I’d better not do any more baking because it’s mainly me that eats everything! Dh and I are having a simplified Christmas Day lunch, we’re not going anywhere in the coming days, and NYE will be a non event. I’m not upset, it needs to be done, it’s just weird! I did my nails this afternoon because I had the time. I don’t think I’ve done that since I got married and cooked at Christmas! 😊 elaine, I hope you get everything done that needs to be done and that you don’t worry about the rest 😉
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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Dec 23, 2020 23:11:19 GMT
My motivation came flying in yesterday from wherever it had been when I realized omg-it's-christmas-week-this-week-I'm-out-of-time-yikes. I've been getting it knocked out yesterday and today. That all sounds pretty impressive until I admit that we don't do family Christmas with the kids until the end of NEXT week. So this week's to-do list has been lighter. I'll be panicking again next Tuesday. Lol.
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Post by nine on Dec 24, 2020 0:42:51 GMT
I see a lot of self-imposed deadlines in your post. Rethink them and make things easier on yourself
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 11, 2024 8:02:44 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2020 0:44:30 GMT
I know, right? 😆
I caved and asked our son’s family of four if we could do dinner together Christmas Eve or Day. They were our bubble during shutdown but now not so much as the boys are in fall sports. We talked it over and agreed that it was a no-go.
My first after thought was “Now I don’t have to vacuum/dust/clean bathrooms.”😁
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Post by lisae on Dec 24, 2020 0:45:11 GMT
I need to finish wrapping the presents Dh got for me. Why? It seems like this is something you could skip. Unless I'm reading this wrong, you are wrapping gifts that you will turn around and open in two days. Wrap him in a hug instead.
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RosieKat
Drama Llama
PeaJect #12
Posts: 5,388
Jun 25, 2014 19:28:04 GMT
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Post by RosieKat on Dec 24, 2020 0:55:44 GMT
(Giving instructions in the following comments. Please completely skip this if you don't want man-type solutions but just want to be heard. I have heard you and validate you, for whatever it's worth!)
Are there pieces of that you can give up without it really mattering to anyone? Is there anything you can delegate? I know your kids aren't NT but are they capable of setting up the table, for example?
I finally figured out that if I let go of my expectations for fabulous holiday celebrations, I'm much happier and by extension, my family is, too. Um, not that I take my stress out on anyone or anything...but IF I did, I would notice that my family is less stressed when I'm less stressed.
Also, it's fair to say that if it matters to you, it does matter. I considered not making a specific dessert for Christmas that my Gram always made. I don't always have it now as usually we are at some extended family's home. But my husband pointed out that if it mattered to me, it still mattered. (Besides, it's an easy dessert, lol, but still...)
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Post by malibou on Dec 24, 2020 0:57:24 GMT
My motivation up and moved out at the beginning of the month. My tree is not decorated - won't be happening. If I don't get the gift wrap out, all of our presents will be wrapped in juvenile birthday wrap from when Ds was little or nothing at all. I did no decorating and when my oven crapped out 2 weeks ago, I declared no cookies were happening either. My Christmas Eve dinner plans flew out when it was announced that my oven part might not be here until mid Jan. Hopefully our winds will die down so perhaps we can BBQ.
At this point my Christmas is going to look like any other day except the three of us will be handing unwrapped gifts to each other.
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Post by elaine on Dec 24, 2020 1:08:19 GMT
I’ve cleared the craft table and replaced the kitchen tablecloth and got out the new placemats. 😀
My son *needed* me to make a box of the TJ’s Peppermint Chocolate cake, so that is baking in the oven.
I’m about to go prep the roast.
I even dug out a Bundt pan because I am making monkey bread dough in the bread machine on Christmas morning and need the pan to bake it in. I haven’t used a Bundt pan in at least 3 years now.
My motivation is now demanding rum-laced eggnog. 😜
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janeinbama
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,174
Location: Alabama
Jan 29, 2015 16:24:49 GMT
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Post by janeinbama on Dec 24, 2020 1:44:28 GMT
Give in to the eggnog. I'm enjoying 19 Crimes Snoop Dog wine - The wine glass I'm drinking out of was a gift from a co-worker. "You're Sleigh'n it. I just left Dollar General with appetizers. DH asked tonight what our appetizers were? Umm Prime Rib and Seafood Casserole with twice baked potatoes.
One gift bag for all your gifts.
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Post by pajamamama on Dec 24, 2020 2:52:44 GMT
"YOU" need to wrap the presents DH is giving you? Hahahahahaha! I'd sooner set my hair on fire. My DH is lucky I throw presents into a gift bag. Everyone family refused to help decorate our tree, so it is just not getting done. I did all the shopping, buying, cleaning, etc. I'm done. My motivation has left the building, and I don't expect to see it until 2021. That is all. Most of my family has been down with COVID, and I have lost my Christmas cheer. Sorry.
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Post by elaine on Dec 24, 2020 3:05:31 GMT
"YOU" need to wrap the presents DH is giving you? Hahahahahaha! I'd sooner set my hair on fire. My DH is lucky I throw presents into a gift bag. Everyone family refused to help decorate our tree, so it is just not getting done. I did all the shopping, buying, cleaning, etc. I'm done. My motivation has left the building, and I don't expect to see it until 2021. That is all. Most of my family has been down with COVID, and I have lost my Christmas cheer. Sorry. I’m so sorry that COVID has hit your house. I hope that you stay healthy - that is more important than any Christmas celebration stuff. YOU are important, the other stuff, not so much. (((Hugs)))
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Post by kokomo on Dec 24, 2020 3:32:38 GMT
Gosh, I must say that does and would take all the enjoyment out of the holiday for me. I find it work and I just don’t want to do all that. Maybe it’s because we are in lockdown with COVID . I did do all my gift buying early and got it wrapped The tree is up and decorated and that’s about all for decorations this year.. My Christmas cards are done and mailed out 2 weeks ago. No baking , as We just don’t need the extra calories. . We are going to my daughters tomorrow to gather in the garage with masks on, no food. Adults will exchange gifts to be opened at the same time on zoom Christmas morning. We will watch the grandkids open their presents in the garage .
What’s different for us and maybe is giving me something to look forward too , is that I will be working as “staff on duty” in a hotel from 4: 30 pm on Dec24 to Dec 26th at 4:30pm . I work at a day/ boarding school. We 7 new international students who have arrived and aardvark quarantined in the hotel .The hotel requires a school employee to be on sight at all times. Since I wasn’t having to prepare a meal or have family in I volunteered to do it. My husband is coming with me for the first 24 hrs( and our 2 small dogs too) All our meals will be prepared and delivered to our door. No dishes to clean! I have made up a couple of scrapbooking kits to do after my husbands leaves
I have packed twinkle lights and snacks and also have a good book to read. I will have wifi , tv and a laptop to watch . I actually pretty excited and wish I could stay an extra day so I could get more scrapbooking done. I will do temperature checks on the kids twice a day. I would love to take them out for a walk especially if it snows. We would need to be masked and 6 feet a part and can not leave the property.
I figure this holiday was going to suck so I am trying to make the best of it. Here’s to a healthy 2021 ! To those of you that still have long lists, do what you can and what makes you happy. Enjoy
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Post by scrapmaven on Dec 24, 2020 4:30:16 GMT
Are you doing all of that food for just your family? If so, perhaps you could scale back and relax a bit? I normally would be running around doing baking and cleaning and last minute shopping. Then I would normally be just exhausted for a month. This year, since we're not going to be celebrating w/anyone else, I gave myself a year off. Yes, I decorated, but it's on a very small scale. I am not baking for anyone except my family. So, I'll do a batch of cookies and cream roll for dessert on Friday. Honeybaked cooked my ham. I'll make potato skins and steamed rice and dh will do the veggie. I have declined over the past year and I'm learning that it's OK to just rest when I need to do so and that Superwoman can retire. My dh encourages me to rest and save my energy for the good stuff. I'm very fortunate. What can you do to lighten your load, elaine ? I know that your boys have strict expectations. Maybe do the most vital stuff and leave the rest for another time. If you must do everything then know that in 48 hours you can be in your comfiest pj's and slippers and just rest. Meanwhile, come to us for deep breaths and support.
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