Wow, I can't believe it's almost Christmas! I am very far behind! I have been so much busier than I thought I would be! I thought the Christmas season would be slower, but I guess people are getting back to life in spite of the pandemic.

Both The Kids participate in extra-curriculars and those are just about back to normal. They may need to show proof of a negative test or wear a mask, but they have been able to practice and compete without many restrictions. That has definitely added to our crazy schedule.

We host Christmas at our house and my family is huge! We do get some help, but it's still a lot to do the shopping, get the house ready, and prepare the (majority) of the food. And all that is in addition to the "normal Christmas stuff" we need to do. However, I feel very blessed that my family gets together with us and I wouldn't change it for anything!

We are almost done shopping; I only have a couple gifts still need to buy, but I am nowhere near done wrapping! I have probably only wrapped about 30% of what I need to do. So, when I am off school next week, I will be a busy bee!

We set aside money every month, starting in January, to pay for Christmas. I have mostly stayed in budget this year, but more importantly, I haven't put anything on credit. When I haven't had enough actual cash, I have used my ATM card for purchases! That's a small win! For most of my family I made homemade soap (two different kinds), a lotion bar, and a homemade lip balm. I have been working on my Christmas presents all year! I'm excited about them!

This year, both The Boy and The Girl children have "significant" others... a first for us. We wanted to give them some gifts too. We got each of them 4 gifts, but only spent about $25 on each of them. We are giving them soaps, little credit card pocket knives (we've had these for years and have just been waiting for the "right" people to give them to), for the girlfriend we also got a blanket and another small gift, and for the boyfriend we got him two flannels and another small gift! Nearly everything we purchased for them we got on sale... score!

As I said earlier, I am looking forward to my time off work. Work this year is extra stressful, for various reasons (ironically very few of those reasons are COVID related). I'm excited to get caught up for Christmas, finishing our Christmas shopping, wrapping gifts, watching Christmas movies, and getting caught up on laundry! Plus spending quality time with The Husband and Kids! 

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and the happiest of new years!