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The only time I truly mind being a working mom is just before Christmas. No matter how organized I am, I just can't figure out how to get it all done. I get off on the right foot with the tree and most of the outside decorations up on the weekend following Thanksgiving. I find a few things here and there for neighbor gifts and close friends. But because I don't have big blocks of time to devote to shopping, baking and cleaning I find myself right where I am today...less than two weeks to the big day and that anxious, panicky feeling is growing inside of me. I know it's my own fault. I know my own expectations are far too grand for the working mom life I lead. In the past few years, I've been able to temper my expectations of others but I haven't been as successful at tempering my own expectations. I know I should simplify my life, but I just can't figure out where to cut. Do I stop making my Christmas goodies. I can't. I would rather lose several nights sleep than do so. I get great joy out of seeing my family and friends enjoy the greek pastries made using my grandmother's recipes. Several of my coworkers have already asked me when I will be bringing them to work. Do I stop buying little gifts of appreciation for my co workers? I can't. It's important for me to tell them how much I appreciate their hard work and friendship throughout the year. Isn't giving a big part of what Christmas is all about? Do I stop trying to find those perfect gifts for my family and friends? Definitely not! I take great pride in finding that special item that they will often treasure for years. Heaven forbid that I should see disappointment in my sons eyes on Christmas Morning. Do I stop hosting the big family Christmas Dinner after twenty years? I've spent so much of my adult life creating wonderful traditions for my children, I don't think pizza instead of our family favorites are going to cut it. It just wouldn't be Christmas without those things. My house usually suffers the most. Right now, it looks like a dust tornado hit the place. I won't even describe the catastrophe in my bathroom. The problem with letting the house go though is that my life feels even more upside down. It's a good thing my motto is Never Give Up, Never Surrender I'm going to need strength to survive the next couple of weeks. I always have plenty of time to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Enjoy a nap for me won't you.
