Tuesday, December 23, 2014

It is almost here and some lovely gifts.........

If you are not ready for a good whine session please proceed to the pictures and the more positive part of this post.
Okay here is the thing, I stink at this Christmas thing.  I am not saying this so you will say , "Oh Meredith you are so organized and everything, blah blah, blah...."   I really do stink at it and now that my head is all stuffed up and ready to explode, I am not in the best of moods.  Our tree is finally up.  I had to almost get in a knock down drag out fight with my husband to get the darn lights on it today, yes it is December 23, and we just got the lights on the tree.  It still needs decorations, and as far as I can see there aren't going to be many put on it as it is already losing needles at a rapid rate.  I. Am. Over. Christmas. Already!  You work for months, shopping, wrapping, mailing and decorating all for one day.  And to beat it all I am definitely allergic to the darn tree in question as every year I get sick when it comes into my house.  I know, I know, get a fake one already!  I am going to after this year, I am over feeling horrible every year right when I should be able to relax, just so my family can have a real tree 

I gave out Little Buddy's presents to his teachers and therapists at school.  I got back several thank you notes saying, "Thank you for the crochet trivets and bar of soap." Now really why would I give trivets and a bar of soap?  They are washcloths and I thought the lovely natural bar of soap provided with the dishcloths would be a good clue about what they were to be used for.  I forget that everyone does not understand a homemade present.  My husband, yes the one who has put the lights on the tree so late, actually said to me, "Who has ever heard of a round washcloth?"  He might be lucky to be alive at this point, after all he did sit near me as I made 40 dishcloths, yes 40, not 4. Next year they are each getting a $5 gift card to Starbucks for coffee or tea.

The cowls and the shawl I made Little Buddy's private therapists have been greatly appreciated, so at least I am thankful for that.
Yes Little Buddy will make it all fun, but he has been under the weather the last few days, first with an upset belly, then a small fever and now just fussy.  Maybe he and I both need a big three day nap.  Many people are buying him presents even though I have asked them not to.  I do not want him thinking that when someone visits he automatically gets a present.  I would rather people come to see him and just spend time with him, isn't a visit a really special present?

There are so many people in need of positive thoughts and prayers out there, many of my direct friends in fact, so I know I should not be complaining.  I know I will pull myself together, get that darn tree decorated (with the help of two very unwilling young men) and go to bed early tonight to get some rest. I don't think it helps that I am working this week, and will be up until tomorrow at noon.
However not everything is doom and gloom here in Holiday-land.  No one comes to your rescue like good blogging friends.  Friends that think about you weeks in advance and send you a surprise in the mail just when you really need it.


The lovely, generous and wonderful Teresa sent me this darling stocking.  She made it herself and I just love it.  Teresa, you are the best and I so appreciate you thinking of me during this busy Holiday Season (and all the rest of the year, too).  This will end up on the tree even if nothing else does!


The fabulous Betsy sent me a package that arrived on the same day as Teresa's.  Look at this darling sea gull who is ready for the slopes.  Betsy has used this cotton yarn from Hobby Lobby and sent me some to try.   I love the color don't you?


And look at this beautiful necklace Betsy brought back with her from her recent trip to Maui.  I have never visited Hawaii, but now I have this gorgeous necklace to look at and dream about going someday.  Betsy got all this together after returning from her trip and before she hopped on a plane to visit with Teresa, Gracie and Taci for their annual Christmas lunch.  I know all of us would love to join them so we could hug, chat, hug, eat, hug, laugh oh and hug some more.


Look what popped up in my mail yesterday, the very sweet and wonderful  Gracie, sent me this beautiful ornament she made.  It is so delicate and sparkly.  I just love it and I am so touched that she thought of me, there is something so special about Gracie.

 I appreciate all of these gifts so much.  They have brightened my day and helped to steer me away from the doom and gloom I have been feeling.


 I was also the winner of a terrific giveaway from Helen, really how did I get this lucky?  This lovely package arrived in my mailbox yesterday just in time for the Holidays.  Helen made this gorgeous heart filled with lavender.  I am in love with it.  She also included these lovely felt coasters and a bit of chocolate.  Now let me say straight away that no one will be putting their sweating glass down on these lovely red snowflake coasters.  I think they are so pretty, maybe I will string them up and make a little bunting with them.

Thank you Helen for your kindness, for being a dear blogging friend, and for picking me as the winner of your giveaway.  I know I was a random winner, but I am so pleased to have won.


Nature has also given me a present.  My Amaryllis has bloomed and she is spectacular!  Just one stalk has six blooms on it, four are open with two on their way.

 Isn't she just stunning!

Okay, I hope your are well on your way to relaxing, and that your head is not all stuffed up, oh and that you are all wrapped and ready for a glass of wine.  Let the Holiday's begin.

32 comments:

Crafty in the Med said...

I am sorry ...first of all I have to admit that I am sorry not because you are feeling under the weather (where did that expression come from!!!) but because your post has made me laugh. It shouldn't have should it? Although of course I feel for you because I also have a love/hate thingy about Christmas too and if you aren't feeling 100% then that aggravates it more . It is the fact you have just described what my husband does too...I swear these men all come from the same mold!! Where crochet and craft is concerned they just have no idea! However if they muck around with motorbikes,fish or other we have to know and understand...grrr! Ah! well there I've enjoyed a bit of a whine too just to keep you company!!!

Cheer up!!!
Take care now and a very Merry Christmas as far away from the tree as you can manage.
Amanda xx

Between Me and You said...

It'll be alright on the night - as the saying goes. Eat,drink and be a Merry Meredith come the Big Day!Think we could all do with a three-day sleep! Tons of Best Wishes to You and Yours. xxx

moonstruckcreations said...

Meredith I am so happy that my little parcel arrived in time - what a relief!! And I was especially happy that your name came out of the hat.

I really hope that you do get some time to relax over the next few days, just go with the flow and do things that make you happy - you do so much for others that some "me" time is more than well deserved.

Hope you and LB feel completely 100% soon.

Helenxx

primrosesattic said...

I agree with you it is a lot of fuss and expense for one day but I do love it! I am one of those you hate who are organised did most of there present shopping back in Oct. But one of my best friends is completely the other way. I dropped presents off today and she still has not got all of hers or food shopping or crackers ,turkey etc. But she will get there in the end and does not panick, like I would be doing by now. We are all different. And it is just important to enjoy the day with your family..My grown up children would not hear of us not having a large real tree. So I will have to keep hoovering up the needles.
Sending you Christmas Wishes.
Rosezeeta.

CJ said...

Oh Meredith, there is so much expectation at Christmas isn't there. I had to stop myself from shouting "I hate Christmas" today at a particularly tense moment. I've got almost nothing done, either yesterday or today. I have a list as long as my arm for tomorrow morning, then we are going out for a walk and then people are coming. For food. I need to cook and clean and cook some more. Oh well, it'll happen somehow or other won't it. What lovely gifts you've received. I do hope that things sort themselves out, that someone decorates that tree for you, and that you're feeling completely better very soon. Also that your little buddy is better too, it sounds like a rough few days. Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas. See if you can't put your feet up with some yarn for a while. CJ xx

Amy at love made my home said...

Well, we have talked about all of the various things in this post already, so I will say no more!! As for trivets!!! I mean!!! Oy! Beautiful things for you to have received in the post though and I can tell that they cheered you! I hope that you have a great day enjoying Buddy's enjoyment of it all. Happy Christmas and best wishes for a great New Year! Hugs to you. xx

Chris said...

Meredith, honestly you are the best!! I think we all are in or have been in your shoes! Your handmade gifts wre beautiful , thoughtful and kind. I am really picky now as to who receives my handmade things. Mostly its my buds who knit or craft and some family members. Your gifts that came in the mail are beautiful and you sure have a ton of creative caring friends! Hope your head clears up soon maybe you should put your tree out on your patio, you can still all enjoy it and you will feel better. Merry Christmas to you my friend Chris p.s. I think i know why I procrastinated so much this year, maximize my sanity!!! lol!!!!

Betsy said...

Oh dear Meredith I'm so sorry that you and Little Buddy are under the weather. I gave up and got an artificial tree several years ago and the stuffy head was a big contributing factor. I haven't regretted it. Not one little bit. No more worrying about water, dry needles and the infernal constant needle cleanup. A trivet? Obviously not a crocheter among the bunch. I thought they were all beautiful cloths.

I'm so glad you got all of our care packages. You deserve each and every one. I so wish you could be at our lunches with us. I'm so jealous of the other girls living so close to each other that they visit more than I can.

I' wishing you and your family of menfolk a very Merry Christmas Mere. Deep breath. In and out. It will be worthallthe hard work.
Blessings,
Betsy

Teresa Kasner said...

Dear Meredith.. oh dear.. so sorry for you not feeling up to snuff.. and lil B too. I hope you get the rest you both need. And you know what? Don't worry if you don't get the tree all decorated. I still don't have my hearts and snowflakes on mine. The kids left for the beach and won't be back until friday -- it's very quiet.. it's rather nice! LOL! I'm glad you got our little gifties - I think you should be an honorary Oregonian. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉
*M*E*R*R*Y* *C*H*R*I*S*T*M*A*S*!*
❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉

Carla from The River said...

Hello Blog Buddy,
I will be praying you will get well. I know I have been in the same spot several times. Enjoy those boys and family. Take time to relax if you can.
Sending Christmas Cheer from Wisconsin
xx oo
Carla

Pammy Sue said...

Oh, the amaryllis is beautiful!! Your pictures of it are great. What a fun thing to have bloom at Christmas. I just have to try some next year. I was so happy with the Paperwhites. I hope you get to feeling better and are re-energized soon! ♥

kristieinbc said...

Reading this post was like a breath of fresh air. Really, it was. There's something about Christmas that is aggravating and touching and heartwarming and annoying as all get out all at the same time. In fact, I've been thinking all afternoon I need to phone my dear friend who has listened to me groan about all the food I've had to buy and all the planning that has gone into managing 13 people for 5 days and apologize for being such a downer. No matter how enlightened the society we live in is, the reality is the burden of Christmas falls squarely on the mother's shoulders.

My suggestion is to make a nice cup of tea, sit down in a comfy chair, and watch Love, Actually. It's guaranteed to lift your spirits. :-)

Ljubinka said...

I know how you feel...
Lovely gifts,your amaryllis is beautiful!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Linda @ A La Carte said...

This has not been my favorite Christmas season either. Just over it somehow even with my trip away for several days. I got sick and while I'm better, sweet Tiger has been sick and we may have to postpone our Christmas get together! So I understand! I will say that sweet surprises in the mail do have way of making it a bit better. Hope you all feel better and that Christmas day is full of Joy!
hugs,
Linda

Mrs. Micawber said...

It's the most wonderful time of the year ... NOT!!!

I'm so sorry your head is plugged and your tree not ready and your schedule jammed and your gift recipients undiscerning. SO frustrating when you put time and effort into a homemade gift and they don't "get" it! Next year do the Starbucks cards for sure.

I just got our tree decorated on Sunday, so try not to feel too bad. I used to think I was allergic to the tree, but I figured out this year I'm actually allergic to the box of ornaments and lights. They must get dusty as they sit all year long.

People love LB so much, I can see why they want to give him something. They love you too ... and every gift for him is a gesture of affection to you, you know. But I do see why you might want to limit the gifts. Ah well.

I just read Betsy's post about their get-together. Serious blogger envy here! And joy for them that they are able to do it. Someday we will hold a mini-convention so we can all get together and gab. And crochet and drink tea and eat chocolate and stay up late and laugh.

Merry, merry Christmas, dear Mere! Sending you a very large virtual hug, and hoping you and LB feel better quickly.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

My advice is don't have a tree at all. Or just have a very small one that can easily be decorated and moved around as needed. When the kids were little, I went all out. But now, I don't get caught up in all the frenzy. I put a few little things out and add some red for color. I was going to do a twig tree with all crocheted ornaments but do you think that happened yet? Nope! I'm such a procrastinator. My hubby has been fighting a sore throat all week and has been grumpy since we are traveling today and it's not a great thing when you are feeling off. I need to get to packing here. As for the washcloths, most people don't get it. I give them and tell folks they are dishcloths or washcloths, but most think they are way too pretty and refuse to use them as such. So they use them as doilies or to display on trays with tea. As long as they get used, who cares what they call them. I would say anyone who sent a thank you note must have been appreciative as handwritten notes these days are far and few between. Such lovely gifts from all the girls. RELAX and enjoy the rest of the week. Hugs and blessings, Tammy

Gracie Saylor said...

Truly I am sorry for your misery, Mere...and for Little Buddy's ...but you once more have inspired me to chuckle, especially about your "trivets." Mercy!
After sending your card I felt like an idiot for mailing glass beads like that and worried they would be ground glass if they ever made it to you, so I'm amazed and glad they arrived intact ready to shine like a star [or a Florida snowflake ?]
Got to go knit knit knit some more....
Dare I wish you a Merry = ) Christmas ? xx

Géraldine B. said...

Take care Meredith !!! Everythings gonna be all right I'm sure !!! Your gifts are so cute and I agree your flower is just stunning !!! I wish you a very happy and peaceful Christmas ... Hugs !

Taci simmons said...

How lovely my dear friend that you got all of the girls gifts. First I want to thank you for the lovely gift you sent to us. So lovely and so thoughtful of you. I just love the beautiful nest. And second I want to apologize. On the first week of December I thought I sent a little package with a little something and a card for you. Little did I know, until last Friday , that I left the bag with the package in the back of my car and never sent it ... This weekend I got really sick with a cold and lair titis and have not been able to get to the post office yet ... So I hope you accept my apologies and a big hug instead of my little gift which will be on its way to you tomorrow ( as I'm starting to feel a tiny bit better now and don't feel just like a zombie). Hope you an little B are feeling better and have a wonderful Christmas with your family. Lots of love.

linda said...

Oh Meredith you know I know where you are coming from, I have reached the stage where I am just letting it all happen around me I don't care anymore, your beautiful Amaryllis has bloomed just in time to say Happy Christmas to you and you gifts are lovely. Just sit back with a nice cuppa when you get home from work like I'm going to and let others get on with it we have done our bit my darling, would you like a chocolate
mmm yummy have a great Christmas. xxxx

susan said...

Dearest Meredith, thank you for your comment about Vanessa. I am overwhelmed that no-one in UK had noticed (I found out via Melissa at Watermelon Tea).

As the the Christmassy overload/ grouchiness I get it....totally get it. Hopefully we will all have a good day. Here's to the New Year.
Love Susan x

EMMA said...

Oh dear - know how you feel! I'm over christmas this year too and I've got the family dinner with the in-laws this evening! We're going to pop over to Italy for christmas day for a change of scenery.
Hope you do have a wonderful Christmas with your family - hugs to Little Buddy.
Kindest regards
Emma

HollyM said...

Your post was almost a relief to me (though I know that's not how it feels to you). I've gone through exactly the same feelings and feel like such a humbug to say anything.
When kids moved away and ill health hit me, I was forced to let a lot of things go and give myself permission to do it was key.
My husband and I always fought about the real tree, from the lot to the decorating. An imitation was such a relief even though I still get stuck decorating it.
Yes, give yourself a break and save the homemade gifts for special people who get it.
When I spoke to my husband yesterday about all the shopping and wrapping I'd done, he said," oh, I like to be surprised when they open them". Imagine. I dragged him to the table to help me with his parents gifts.
I get it about the gifts to Buddy as well. Time spent is so much better.
I hope you get some rest over the holidays.
Resolve to be kinder to yourself next year.


Pharmagurumi said...

I'm sorry you're not feeling the holiday spirit. I hope thinks get better for you and you get a chance to relax.

Sandy said...

So sorry you are under the weather and hope you feel better soon! Ditch the real tree next year - the fake ones are just as pretty and you can leave them up as long as you wish. We don't even have a tree this year because of moving - first time in 40 years of marriage. I've been more relaxed and rested this Christmas because I didn't do so much with baking and decorating. Thanks so much for being such a wonderful blogging friend Meredith and have a lovely Christmas with your beautiful family!

Jo said...

Happy Christmas Meredith. Love from Jo x

kathy b said...

Well a good Christmas purge is always helpful! You warned us Meredith! Christmas doesn't just HAPPEN I told my kids...you have to MAKE Christmas. Tis lots of work. I bet Mrs Claus is a bit edgy today too.
Love your honesty. Love your blog. Love your boys and the darling dog.

Oh the joy of the ordinary day eh?

Unknown said...

It seems to be a strange Xmas for most of us this year, who knows why... I hope that the Spirit of Xmas will visit us all and that we'll all be able to have a good time, in the end.
I wish a wonderful Xmas and a very happy 2015 to you and your family!
Hugs!

Toni said...

Oh, hang in there!!!!! It's a bit sad how exhausting and overwhelming Christmas can get, but it just seems like it's impossible to NOT get worn out. Several years ago I finally put my foot down to traveling during Christmas. We were so tired, the planes were crowded and full of people with colds, and we kept coming back exhausted and sick. So, enough. Tonight two of our favorite people in the world are coming for dinner--best present to ourselves that I could ever think of.

Hugs,
Toni

Debby said...

I bet that CHRISTMAS morning will find you in better spirits. I am the one that does it all as well. I am at my daughter's home in Colorado. She has streph and a little grumpy. Hoping Chiristmas wi be peaceful and you get some rest. Hugs

Caffeine Girl said...

As always, you are just so real, Meredith. Christmas looks like a lot of work for one day (at least that's how it looks to this Jewish girl), but I have a feeling that it will all be worth it when you are around the tree with the people you love the best. Have a happy and healthy Christmas!

Liz said...

I enjoyed reading this post. Ahh the men in our lives. They are so different than us. Michael went out the day after thanksgiving and brought home a huge 9 ft tree. He was so proud of himself. Never mind he stuffed it in the trunk of the car with about 4 feet sticking out. It was so dry and deformed and by christmas it was ready to crumble to the floor. Next yr I will pick one out. You have some great gifts there. How exciting to receive those in the mail.
I have a question... Would you have any idea why I cannot receive emails when you publish a new post. I have tried to subscribe to your blog on different occasions and am still not receiving the emails. Wonder what I am doing wrong?