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.