2021 Christmas Not Do List

Do not expect the covid test done more than 48 hours ago to come back today! They were given a 24-48 window for results which came and went. The one sick isn't even supposed to be here. They were supposed to have left days ago. Now I can't proceed with my plans in good conscience.

Sorry, that's a bummer.

I also cut back on the stocking stuff and then decided that next year we're not doing stockings. Any of the little things that I usually put in them can just go under the tree. whew!

Name just ONE thing?

How about a few?

Stockings are going to be candy only this year. Every other year they have been trinkets and little gifts and gift cards and socks and soooo much. This year I bought candy and that's all I had energy for.

There are less gifts this year. Partly because many asked for gifts are more expensive than when kids are little. And partly because I would rather them appreciate the gifts they get than have a bunch of "filler" gifts also, just to make the pile look more impressive.

The food offerings are not going to be as incredible and varied as Thanksgiving was. Mainly because I worked my tail off and spent quite a bit, and no one was wowed. I didn't feel appreciated. So tomorrow is ham and a few sides. And for apps, chips & onion dip, and a premade cheese platter and only one type of cracker. And dessert? A store bought cake & a store bought pie.

I cut back on stocking stuffers for the grandkids. Now that there are 12 of them, I was able order to order 12 packs of game stuff that they can all play together! 12 pack of vests with velcro on the fronts and back, and the balls with velcro on them to play tag. Nerf style foam dart guns in a pack of 12, and 100 extra darts I split between the stockings. 12 sets of dice (10 in each set) in different colors so they can play dice games (and printed the game rule for tenzi to get them started). Then a glow in the dark Capture the Flag game for all of them. I struggle enough with their individual gifts, and it just got too hard to try to figure out stocking stuffers too.

We didn’t put up a tree. No kidding. It just wasn’t in me this year.

I have my mantle elaborately decorated.

Didn’t bake. Haven’t made/given our usual fudge plates to friends.

Siblings didn’t want me to bring the “signature” dishes we make every year. Then they start asking what I’m bringing. So I’m like just tell me what I’m to bring because you all planned out all the details without me (and not for a lack on my part) and we’re pretty rude/harsh about me not bringing our favorite dishes (there’s never any left for me to take back).

So I’m making me a fruit salad to take to eat because not one of my siblings will accommodate my being allergic to wheat, and I dare not inquire as to any ingredients!!

I accepted every offer of help this year. My son-in-law offered to cook at their house and my dd offered to do stockings for everyone and wrap all the gifts for me. Not easy to accept help, but it sure feels good right now.

I didn’t decorate as much, not doing stockings as DD and her SO won’t be home and DS has said he really doesn’t need anything. I bought ingredients for fudge and a couple other cookies and after a few weekends of baking other things, I ran out of energy to do those. Work has been stressful the past few weeks and that sort of stomped on my Christmas spirit I think.

The pre-lit tree is up. I made cookies today. Packages arrived in Florida. I am done.

Lots of baking. We are all trying to eat healthier so I do not need to make cookies and squares to make a tray for Christmas. When my mom was alive she always made a bunch of treats and we ate them for days. 

I put up my tree but it only has lights on it. Never did decorate it, but it looks fine to me.

I didn't do much decorating other than the tree and a couple favorite things I put out.

I did not put out some decor I no longer enjoy, but can't get rid of as late MIL made them. I am pretty sure DD will take them when she buys a house.

I didn't do much baking. I made my own favorites.

No baking, cut way down on stocking stuff, and I bought Christmas dessert rather than baking it.

I’m usually very Martha Stewart when I wrap gifts, ribbon, bows, coordinated paper and tags. I just wrapped, slapped the name on, and stuck it under the tree.