Hustle and Bustle

The hustle and bustle seems to be going on all around me right now. But it just doesn't feel like Christmas to me. This may be due, in part, to the fact that it has not snowed yet here in St. Louis. And we're experiencing balmy temperatures in the mid to upper 40's (maybe even a 50 this weekend???).

But there's more to it than that. I'm just not really feeling it this year. I think I fell off my horse. My Christmas horse. Or maybe it was a reindeer. Whatever, I fell off this year. Here's why I say this:

~I haven't baked one cookie, brownie or other holiday treat.

~I got as far as putting up and decorating the Christmas tree with my family. All the other decorations are still in their boxes. In my garage. Where they will stay. (Except for the stockings, which will probably be located at 2am on Christmas morning following a frantic search through lights, tinsel and fake evergreen stuff. And only because the children will be disappointed if they're not filled.)

~I have been playing Christmas music in our home, but instead of working with the boys to come up with a fantastic playlist, I'm letting Pandora Radio do that for me.

~I haven't sent any Christmas cards out yet. Given that Christmas is in four days, I'm thinking I won't be sending cards this year.

~I haven't done any Christmas crafting (which is like Santa going on the Atkins Diet & giving up cookies).

~I just started a couple of hand knit gifts for family members. Three days ago.

Yikes. Our Christmas isn't exactly a Hallmark Holiday Feature, is it?

I'm still adjusting to life as the mom of a baby who is already in Heaven. Emotionally and physically, since my body seems to be slow on the uptake (especially in the waistline area). Family stuff and work are keeping me overly busy, and there's just not enough time, energy or me to add all the holiday hustle and bustle. In years past, I would have been completely freaking out wrought with guilt over these holiday transgressions.

But this year I'm not. I think I'm finally getting some perspective. Out of necessity, I'm weeding out the superfluous stuff and just going with the stuff that is really important. And I am so. not. stressed. about it. I am chill.

I stumbled upon a great blog post this morning that perfectly sums up my thoughts and feelings.
Hop on over to Life as Mom and see if you can find some helpful perspective in amongst all this hustle and bustle.

Are you cutting back, giving up, or altering any of your usual holiday activities?