Did Christmas swallow you whole this year? Don't worry about it: just enjoy the things that are important and give you pleasure, tucking away the rest for another time.
I wrote on December 6 in my last Suite101 blog entry: "I've just spent a goodly amount of time sitting on my purple couch in the front room, staring out of the big bay window at the huge pines and flurries, sipping a raspberry chocolate coffee."
That was the last relaxing day I had this month, until today.
I had planned to write and publish twenty-five holiday crafts in twenty-five days here at Suite 101, providing you with my original, easy sewing and needlework projects that could be done in time to enjoy the season and still have a beautifully decorated house and plenty of gifts to give away as well.
My editor, Barbara, thought the idea a little ambitious, and boy, was she right.
I managed to get a solid week of articles in before the Christmas rush swallowed me whole. I had underestimated how much time I'd be away from the house (and as a result, my computer). I saw the days slipping by with no time to post articles, and while some people do great under pressure I find that panic really does nothing for creativity (not to mention stress levels).
My kids are no longer babies and for them, the holiday season is huge... not only is Santa coming, but they both played the lead role in their Christmas concerts this year; and every day a new piece of artwork came home, along with tons of requests for homemade treats for parties and visits. I spent a lot more time with my kids and their friends the past few weeks because I had more opportunities to, and I really, really enjoyed it. I volunteered in the school, making hot chocolate from scratch and serving a feast of treats to several kindergarten classes. I took them to friend's houses, parties, shopping, and drives around the neighbourhood to check out the lighted decorations at night.
I know that soon they'll think me as just "that gal who cramps my style", so every moment I can spend with them and have fun doing it is something I need to have. They are still young enough to like having me around, and I'll take that for as long as it lasts.
So I did not succeed in providing you with those other articles, and for that I do apologize. To make up for it, though, I will be putting up the rest of the articles throughout the next year, not only providing you with lots of time to make all of the holiday gifts and decorations you need, but the time for me to publish fun, informative articles that you want to read and will love to use.
I hope you'll continue stopping by, and to all of those wonderful souls who have sent me kind notes of support and emails filled with compliments, I want to thank you. I appreciate hearing from everyone and invite you to contact me with your questions and comments. In the meantime, enjoy what is left of December... have a merry Christmas... and may your quiet time be filled with stitches!
~ Michelle
