Teaching full time ~ having a senior daughter in college ~ having a senior daughter in high school ~ having an old house that needs a lot ~ living in Connecticut in the fall with huge trees and so many leaves...
I love it all, really I do. But it's a lot. Our calendar is full. Some weekends (thankfully not all of them) are really full. There are college visits, orchestra concerts, papers to correct, planning to do, leaves to rake and bag, lots to clean, tons to bake and cook, on an on. This 'season' Scott and I are in is not for the faint of heart. But we are doing it. And trying our best to do it with love. Some days are better than others.
So where do the holidays fit in? Well, I've learned over the years that it fits in 'here and there', 'bit by bit'. I started on Halloween night and whenever I can, I do a few things. Scott is so helpful with helping me with the garlands, the trees around the house, and decorating the outside. One thing we both love is having it all done (with the exception of our real tree) before Thanksgiving. That way we can enjoy the month of December and just do things like finish shopping, wrap, bake, and rest.
One thing I love pulling out is our collection of Christmas books. I have so many now and I love each one of them.
I start with sorting them into piles and wandering around the house deciding where to put each little pile. Just seeing them brings me joy... which is a good thing since I don't have time to read them for long sittings. Reading for me has also always been bit by bit.
For each one of these 'bits' I am thankful!