The Trimmier Life

Martha Stewart that is!!  It’s officially 9:45pm the night before I am to have 9 people in my house for Christmas dinner and I sit calmly on the couch typing this post.  Usually at this time of the season, I’d be a little more like the woman in this poem…

Twas the night before Christmas dinner and all through the house
Not a person was helping, not even my spouse…
The children were restless and what made it worse…
I at my computer typed nonsensical verse!

When what to my poor bloodshot eyes did I see
But the Calendar with only 1 night left glaring at me!!
So off to the kitchen I flew like a flash…
Tore open the cupboards and made a mad dash…

Baking my cookies and stirring my fudge,
Dozing by the sink till someone gave me a nudge!
With presents to wrap and bows to tie
and the house is a disaster I thought with a sigh…

I looked ’round the mayhem and thought to myself…
Next year will be different, I’ll organize myself!!
I laughed when I heard the traditional phrase
That was made every year and forgot in just days…

So to all those who know me i have one thing to say…
Merry Christmas to all…JUST DON’T GET IN MY WAY!

This year I actually took my own advice and planned every aspect of my Christmas dinner way in advance.  Yes, it’s true, the casseroles are done, the veggies all cleaned, peeled and cut, the pumpkin bread smelling up the house (while it cools on the rack!)…the table is set, decorations are up, gifts are wrapped and I’m relaxed…it’s a miracle!!  Usually at this time I’d be running circles in the kitchen screaming for Dustin’s help worrying that I wouldn’t get everything done.  I attribute my successful evening and preparation to my list making and am very pleased with myself for having planned so well this year!   Dustin was a huge help in Christmas preparations as well, so big THANK YOU goes out to him.  As I bask in my glory I just wanted to wish everyone else as much success in their preparations — I know it’s stressful…so good luck!

Here are a few pictures of my Christmas decorations this year…

From top left, clockwise: Our 'big' tree during the day, Big tree lit up at night, Our Mantle - stockings are hung!, little (1 foot) tree

Dining table before and after being set

Table decor up close