The Goose is Getting Fat

One week until Christmas eve...Traveling does not help to accomplish holiday preparations. I usually try to get the decorating and preparations done around or before December 6, St. Nicholas day. Tonight is Advent Lessons and Carols - for me almost as big as Christmas Eve. I will need the help of the Almighty, as my cold still lingers. I need to be in top form. I accomplished absolutely NO preparations for Christmas in the house before today. Today, I changed out the bathroom and the bedroom, the decorated the front bay window, and hung the Christmas wreath on the door. I think I'm going to forego outside lights because I just don't have time. Maybe Saurday! Again, laundry all day! It never stops. Of course, now with allergies blooming with old age, everything always gets washed every time it is used, curtains, shower curtains, throw rugs, sheets, towels. I guess it is really not different, but I am more aware of making sure it is done and changing fabrics in the house more frequently. Christmas cards have begun to arrive and I haven't even checked my stock. I don't remember if I remembered to stock up during the after-Christmas sales. Growing into my dotage I forget lots of things. I noticed when I put down the bathroom throw for Christmas it's a Ralph Lauren - I don't think I realized it when I bought it - largely rich red with gold & green botanical trim - NOT holly. Goes with my RL river rock paint over the plastic tiles in the bathroom. And you know, I didn't even try! WHo me coordinate? NEVER! I think I'm going to make bread in the machine every night now to experiment and possibly for some gifts. I think I'll be doing laundry every night too. Now that we know the governor has furloughed state employees, I'll have a bit more time, because I have to transfer two of my use-or lose days off. I laugh thinking how no matter what, time always seems to escape us so easily during holiday preparation time and then it's suddenly January. Three more days to the solstice. I always rejoice with the passing of the solstice because I do not relish so many hours of darkness. I like daylight when we don't have to fret about electricity use. But as Christmas approaches, I always put things in terms of the goose getting fat for the feeding and pleasure of many. I hope as the days pass there is increasing satisfaction and pleasure for the holidays. If only the laundry would stop!