Why is this season always so busy?

This year I am not really feeling the Christmas Spirit. I'm not feeling bah humbug or anything I am just not super excited about the presents or the activities. I feel like I am just skimming the surface of getting all the things done that need to be done so adding all the Christmas stuff on top is just not doing it for me.

We were going to go to Maryland for Christmas but due to some unforeseen changes at Mike's work, we will not be able to go. I am bummed for a few reasons one being that we are moving soon and I want to make sure the boys see their grandparents as much as they can before we move. The second is more selfish. I was looking forward to going out of town because Mike's mom is really good about helping make Christmas a really fun time planning activities that the kids would really enjoy. I was looking forward to letting the boys still enjoy all the fun Christmas stuff without me having to be the sole person in charge.

We have this super cute advent calendar that we have little tags on and each day you read a tag and do the activity on it. This year I got it out and hung it up and we haven't looked at it once--and I don't feel the least bit guilty about it.

There was an enrichment activity last week on Christmas in Nauvoo and the idea was supposed to be simplifying your Christmas (I think). I chose to simplify my Christmas by not adding another meeting to my already busy week.

We have chosen not to send out Christmas cards this year but will probably get around to a Christmas email. We were not planning on doing goodies this year except that our little neighbor girl that sometimes babysits brought the boys presents and now I feel like I ought to make something for her. But we are not making a lot, so if you live in the area and don't get a plate from us, it's not because we don't love you, we just aren't making a lot of goodies.

Will had his Christmas party today and Isaac was very upset that he wasn't having one (we have had some kind of party so far for each holiday) so last minute I called up some of his little preschool buddies and we had a very small party this morning. The kids did a craft, played two games, and ate candy. It was small and short and both Isaac and Eli had a great time.

Anyway, I enjoy this time of year and we still have a few fun traditions we will participate in (gingerbread houses, pizza on Christmas, and our Christ-Centered Christmas dinner) but other than that, I'm hoping for a nice, relaxing week ahead of us.

It's not likely but I'm going to aim for it.