Holiday funk

Thursday, December 9, 2010 |
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Just when I think I'm in the game ... wham!


I'm feel stressed, running in all directions, and getting little accomplished. I feel like one of those hamsters on an exercise wheel going around and around and around but never getting anywhere. Christmas is only two weeks away and I'm beginning to fear {still have loads of shopping, wrapping and baking} its arrival.


Our home is dressed in its holiday finest. Most of the decorations are out, the tree is up and looks lovely, the candles are in the windows, the wreath on the door but I just can't seem to really get into the spirit this year. I'm on auto pilot and my hearts not really in it.

I'm waking up earlier to try and get a few things checked off my list before heading to my classroom and I'm going to bed later in hopes of being more prepared for the day ahead. It's not working. I constantly feel like I'm running and rushing and not really enjoying all that this season promises to offer.


I'm slowing drowning in holiday cheer. My calendar is packed with fun but it's stressing me out. If I didn't have to worry about laundry, cleaning, meals and work I'd be all set. Speaking of my job, that's a whole load of additional cheer to be spread. I'm in charge of the Mitten and Hat tree and the staff Christmas breakfast. Again, I enjoy these projects but I'm missing something this year. It more of an effort than joy.

This weekend is my annual Cookie Exchange. I look forward to it every year. It's a fabulous afternoon with my girlfriends and we all enjoy our trays of Christmas cookies. We eat, drink and enjoy some merry girl time. Guess what ... I'm stressing over this one too! I have appetizers to make, six dozen cookies to bake, the house to clean, gift bags to assemble. I need to rent an elf to help!

Perhaps I need a holly jolly attitude adjustment.

Am I the only one feeling this way?
Please tell me I'm not alone.

I'm done whining :)


Leave A Comment

23 comments:

Lauren said...

Oh, I feel your "funk"! I'm such a pleaser and worry about everyone else first. This year I have less on my plate and feel soooo much better! I know that I just need to enjoy the moments...even if that is just snuggling with my children. Your cookie exchange with girlfriends? Sounds FANTASTIC! Remember...they are your girlfriends and love you for you...not the appetizers, beautifully decorated home, etc. Enjoy them and LAUGH and SHARE!

Town and Country House said...

Sweet Jo, it is an overwhelming time; that's for sure. My husband gave me some advice a few years ago that's been helpful for me: enjoy the whole season, don't make it a race to create the perfect day (or event). I was at a fun girls' party just yesterday, and one of the ladies commented what a great time she and her neighbors had enjoyed a few weeks ago at an impromptu supper. She said that she felt like Martha S had ruined so much for women by getting us to buy into the thinking that we could not entertain or celebrate or even have a dinner party unless the table, house, food, decor, lawn, gift, favor, etc. was perfect. I think there's a good bit of truth in that. I know my friends and family have a better time when I'm relaxed. And I highly recommend going to bed earlier rather than later. I hope this doesn't come across as a lecture; I just want you to savor this blessed season. xox

bevy said...

Oh I hate hear this... But I must say that I'm "not there yet" either. I do have the decorations up, but still have the storage containers in the dining room!

I feel that really get in the spirit once I am out of school. I can then relax. Rout now, I'm just trying to get through these last few days. THEN I will be more focused on the season and the Reason!

I hope you will too... Do you have too many more days?

bevy said...

Oh I hate hear this... But I must say that I'm "not there yet" either. I do have the decorations up, but still have the storage containers in the dining room!

I feel that really get in the spirit once I am out of school. I can then relax. Rout now, I'm just trying to get through these last few days. THEN I will be more focused on the season and the Reason!

I hope you will too... Do you have too many more days?

Kathy said...

Oh, Jo. I'm sorry to hear you're feeling more overwhelmed than full of holiday cheer. It sounds like you have a LOT going on. I usually start feeling that way when I'm over committed. It sounds like you need to join me with my social fast in January. :)

Hang in there....It sounds like maybe you need to look at your list and see what can be crossed off or at least simplified. We tend to put extra pressure on ourselves to make things a certain way, and sometimes simple really is better.

Call if you need to vent. Or help prioritizing.

I'll be thinking of you!!

Holiday blessings!
~k.
PS. And of course you aren't alone. I'm feeling the crunch of the calendar as well. In fact, I should get back to addressing those Christmas cards.... :)

Tessa said...

I was just saying this to one my girlfriends last night. I'm doing all the Christmas stuff but it's not the same this year. I thought I was in a bit of a funk b/c of the passing of my MIL, but I don't know if that's it. Decorations up (inside, at least), cards sent, cookies baking, shopping still needs to happen, playing the music, but yes, a bit on auto pilot.

Tessa said...

I was just saying this to one my girlfriends last night. I'm doing all the Christmas stuff but it's not the same this year. I thought I was in a bit of a funk b/c of the passing of my MIL, but I don't know if that's it. Decorations up (inside, at least), cards sent, cookies baking, shopping still needs to happen, playing the music, but yes, a bit on auto pilot.

Dee Stephens said...

I'm not feeling this way but I've read other blogs saying the same thing.
Chill out and relax and try not to do too much. Have fun at your exchange!

Marilyn *Pink Martinis and Pearls* said...

Maybe it's because I have yet to finish decorating but I'm not sweating it. I figure just do what you can. I burned some cookies in the oven today which I never do but you know, so what. No one will ever know and I'll just start over. I've adjusted my expectations after Thanksgiving. I worked myself into the ground and really pushed to get some things done and it didn't matter one bit as we were enjoying eachother's company. I think that is what's important but it is easy to think the other stuff is just as important but it's not. :) xoxo

LuLu said...

I'm fighting back at the holiday funk that is threating to take over little by little! I'm now hosting CHirstmas Eve with for other families like us who are military and don't live near family members... then the day after my brother is arriving with his troop of 6 for me to feed and host all over again... all that doesn't include Christmas day for my hubby and kids!!!! eeeks deep breaths!!!! Sending you cheery thoughts !!!!
xo,
LuLu

annechovie said...

I am not running THAT crazy, but still have a lot of work to get done. I hope you can get more accomplished so that you can enjoy it all, Jo. Hugs!

Belle (from Life of a...) said...

Thanks for being so brave as to share how you feel. I feel exactly the same way right now and it is taking every bit of energy I have to PRETEND that I'm holding it all together. Thus far, I think I'm fooling everybody except for my poor husband. School is out next Thursday so I'm hoping for a healthy dose of good cheer...after I get done hosting the faculty drop in at my house. WHAT was I thinking???

Lisa@Pickles and Cheese said...

Yep, I feel the funk too. It really seems like we just put all the Christmas decorations away and here we are dragging them out again. I think it's an every other year thing for me. This is just an off year. I am going through the motions this year and hoping I start to feel it more soon. At least I got the cards out earlier this week! Good luck with all you have to do. Sounds like you have a lot more going on than I do. Merry Christmas!

Casey said...

I have definitely had those years. Sometimes everything runs smoothly and it seems to be "easy" even when the To Do list is the same length as other years.. and then there are those years where I can't do enough to keep up with everythng. It's human. And that's what the season is all about... remembering we are human and bask in the miracle of it all! Hang in there!!!

Jessica Ryan said...

Sadly it is so easy to feel overwhelmed this time of year. I am in a funk too... and I don't even have all my decorations out yet!

Henley on the Horn said...

You are not alone. Just concentrate on the most important things, and don't let details make you feel overwhelmed. I don't believe in sending late birthday invitations, but guess what? Our soon-to-be 4 year old's invitations will only arrive a week in advance. Such is life. I'll pray for you!

carolinagirl said...

was right there with you until last night ~ 7pm. had a little Christmas party in the middle of renovating the kitchen, etc. the party is over. my house is relatively clean. have not wrapped but three gifts but trying to destress now! hope you can soon!

Deidra said...

Maybe your "funk" requires a bit of funky music and a dance around the living room? I get it, though. Sometimes the whole thing can just overwhelm a girl.

JMW said...

You're not alone - I've heard a lot of folks say that this season. In fact, many I've talked to barely have their homes decorated. I was feeling stressed last week, b/c of our holiday party. Much to do, little time in which to do it. Try to enjoy your time with your friends at the cookie exchange. Take a deep breath and enjoy a glass of wine. Hopefully, once you wrap up school for the holidays, you'll have time to exchale. :)

Unknown said...

I feel your pain! Sometimes it can feel like too much...I have to try to take the attitude "whatever does not get done...it will, in the end, be OK".

xo,

annie

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Jo,

I know exactly what you are saying...life does seem to be so busy, everyone is rushing around.
Hope that you will be able to relax soon with the holidays.
Love the sweet photo of your dog.

Happy week and good luck with getting through all you have to do.
Hugs
Carolyn

Red Door Home said...

Looks like you have the perfect place to warm up on a cold rainy day. Your puppy seems to be enjoying your pretty fireplace too!

Wanda said...

Nope....you're not alone. Hope things are getting better now and that you've foind your joie de vivre!

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