One of my Santa postcards early 1900's
I love Christmas as you can probably tell by all the Santas I collect. I keep things very traditional and my family knows what to expect. There is no swapping out a turkey for a ham or making bread pudding instead of trifle. Tradition. There are no black Christmas trees or purple lights. Tradition.
This past year I have gone back to work full time after being at home for over 20 years. Now I did work some of that time but it was for myself and on my terms and schedule.
Now I find myself working 40 hours per week and wondering how I will ever find the time to get things done for Christmas. Don't worry, I won't stress myself out as I am pretty laid back about life but I really don't want to give up on our traditions.
The decorating of the house is a major undertaking as you all know. The shopping can also be daunting but I refuse to go anywhere near a mall on the weekends. I will have to manage with evening shopping.
The biggest challenge is to prepare all the appetizers for what we in Canada call Boxing Day. It is on December 26th. and it is usually an open house get together that lasts all afternoon and evening. We host one every year and friends and family look forward to it.
This year I will be tackling the food from a different angle. Last year I had cooked a corned beef brisket and made individual appetizer corned beef sandwiches on a panini grill throughout the day. This year will be a spiral ham and lots of lovely mustards, cheeses and buns. Help yourself.
Last year there were many homemade phyllo appetizers but this year some will be store bought. Home made spicy chicken wings? Hello Costco.
There will be lots more but it will all be easy peasy and less intricate and labour intensive. I know there is a lot to choose from.
So I will be continuing with the traditions here but they will be tweaked a little to keep my sanity. I will enjoy the season and that means our guests will feel welcome and relaxed too.
And that is what it is all about. (Now if I could just find the time to make my list)
I always worked, so I can identify! Actually, I don't know how I did all I did, but I was younger! Today with Costco making such lovely appy's you should be able to put out a lovely spread without hours of work!
ReplyDeletePlus, shopping on line to me is a God send! Why didn't we have that when I was still working!
I'm all for buying from Costco, Walmart, Iceland and any other bulk food outlet - very effective on the Christmas table, looks like you've been cooking for days, but it's really all taken 40 minutes in a moderate oven LOL Enjoy x
ReplyDeleteSounds like you're getting your plan together, that's the most important part of maintaining sanity! Have fun:@)
ReplyDeleteI think you are doing everything the right way, Lori. I love Costco.
ReplyDeleteI have done things both ways...making my own food and buying some pre~made. People don't seem to have a preference. In the past I have also been a little insecure when it comes to entertaining and felt the need to impress everyone with my time management and cooking skills. NO MORE!! You get what you get!!
I am sure you will do fine. And hey, I'm with you on avoiding those malls on weekends. Unless I want to park on the highway! ;-D
XO,
Jane
Now your making me hungry! That sounds like a wonderful way to spend the holidays!
ReplyDeleteHi Lori, it seems as though all of us have these feelings, don't we? I say do what you have to do to stay peaceful......:-)
ReplyDeleteHugs, Barb
Sounds like you are going into it with a good attitude. I've started asking people to bring food and keep decorations limited so I have more energy to whoop it up!
ReplyDeleteI so agree...trying to keep it simple this year too and my time seems very limited.
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend to you! Thank you for visiting me.
Lori,
ReplyDeleteIsn't it wwonderful that we get wiser every year?? I think you have it done pat! I can't imagine working 40 hours after having never really done it before! Good for you! You have a great outlook, that will make it easier for sure! :)
You have such a great attitude! I am so impressed that you are working full time after being at home for many years. It sounds like you are very well organized, so I bet this will really help you from being too frazzled.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you... I won't go near the mall or any shopping center on the weekends. I just can't deal with it. Would it be worth it for you to go in the evenings?
First of all, I didn't realize that I was not a follower of your blog! Now I am....but I follow so many and only get time to pop around here and there! I didn't realize you were working full time. I love the idea of the Boxer Day or whatever you called it----I forget what that is all about. Sounds like a fun celebration. We are supposed to close on a condo (we are downsizing)next week if everything goes ok. We have no idea how we will like this , but we want to try. We have our cottage up for sale, but it will probably sit for a long time because of the market around here!
ReplyDelete