Coming up for air.
I can tell the holidays are coming, everyone is getting sharp-edged and pissy. This is the time of year, we of Danish extraction grow horns and tails. (Why else would you start wearing hats and long pants/skirts?) Anyone who would approach this time of year with the amount of sanitation vigor and extra cooking, present making and partying - this is HOSTING parties, mind - has to have only one thing on their mind, and that's evil.
Take your regular schedule, and SHOVE ten times as many activities into it. OH, and do it smiling and happy that this is just what you wanted.
*facepalms* Of course it is. I see some people at this time of the year I don't see any other. Begrudge it at my own risk, it is what it is. It's the holidays, and as they say - everyone suffers.
So.
I'm getting as much done ahead of time this year - as always - so I can actually sit back and enjoy some of the season. It's going to be a busy one.
1) I'm going to have my gifts done by Diwali for the guys at work - beeswax candles in glass jars. (Diwali is on Novemer 9th - I'm going to have to check and see if I need to be done a day or so earlier or not to be in line with the whole idea, since it's five days long. First night? Second night? Decisions, decisions.) The guys here are more than willing to send ME Christmas cards...not holiday cards,
Christmas cards...the least I can do is reciprocate in kind.
2) Sis called yesterday - there are pomegranates. This means pomegranate jelly in our house, a traditional gift between family friends. Yes, I am going out to her house on Sunday to juice them. Be afraid.
3) I am paying closer attention to the guava tree out back. I think I'm going to do some guava jelly as gifts this year.
4) Get the Christmas card letter written, the list updated, labels printed and cards ready to mail before Thanksgiving. WHAT.
5) I already have Thanksgiving's menu planned and parceled out. All I need is a theme - I'm considering "World Travelers" this year. (Last year, it was luau - and it was FUN.)
6) I know what Jim is getting this year. If you want to help plot and scheme, the line forms on the left. Hint: one has already been in the house more than once this year.
7) I need to update my Amazon list. But - the standing order hasn't changed. You want to give me something for the holidays? If you smoke - quit. Period. I'll be delighted. Failing that? Bath fizzies are always welcome.
8) I'm doing Feast of Lights in Redlands this year. If you have a live music event this holiday? I am yours. Tell me.
9) The house opens on Christmas Eve at 10:30. Show up, be fed and make merry. After I put the food out, I am there for the hugging. We play anime, games, talk shop and have a blast. Last one home is me when I close the door after everyone has left. This is Cliff's tradition, and it's a keeper. I put out lunch, then dinner - and we sing songs, open presents and celebrate in the evening. Sweets are out ALL the time.
10) I am also doing
yuletide this year. So help me.
My birthday is November 14th. I have missed everyone else's this year (except Jim's) equally. I only want cake this year, since it falls on a Wednesday and that sucks. My 6th anniversary with Jim is November 1st.
Hanukkah begins December 5th. *plots and schemes*
Anybody for another advent calendar series?
Surprise me.