Glad it’s Thursday!

                                               

It’s Already Thursday! Christmas Is Coming Fast 🎄

It’s already Thursday! This morning, I woke up at 5:00 a.m. ready to go. I knew I wanted to get at least 1,000 steps in before heading to work, so I made sure that happened. By the time I walked out the door, it was 6:42 a.m., and I was feeling accomplished and ready to see what the day would bring.

As we get closer to Christmas, I can really tell how stressed our members are becoming about the upcoming holidays. It’s that familiar end-of-year pressure — finances, schedules, family gatherings — it all adds up. I’m doing everything I can at work to help them understand the value of the membership and the protection we provide. Sometimes, reassurance goes a long way during this season.

I also need to figure out what finger food or appetizer I’m taking to work tomorrow for our department snack day. Right now, I’m thinking peanut butter fudge and pinwheels, because they always seem to be a hit. Before I fully decide, I plan to check in with everyone to see what they’re bringing so we don’t double up too much.

                                           

At home, my mind is already jumping ahead to Christmas Eve and the Saturday celebration with the grandkids. I need to sit down and figure out what I’m taking to Elizabeth and Charles for Christmas Eve, as well as what I’ll need for our Christmas with the grandchildren after Christmas. I believe pizza is on the menu, but I still want to make a few extra things. I’ve narrowed it down to a grape salad and some kind of fudge to add to the cookie platter I’m planning. I’m also hoping to find a new-to-me Christmas drink recipe that I can make ahead and chill for the grandkids.

                                  

I’ve always loved Christmas, and this year is no different. I’m especially excited to see most of the grandbabies on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and again on Saturday for their celebration. Those moments are what make the season so special.

Now, let’s talk budget — because yikes. I started looking at what I spent this year, and I may have gone way over. Every year, I tell myself I’ll stick to about $50 per grandchild (and remember, I have 12 of them), plus $50 for each of the grown kids and spouses. Somehow, it always feels like I end up closer to $100 per person anyway. With today’s prices, even $100 doesn’t go as far as it used to. I really need to start taking advantage of sales throughout the year and building a little Christmas closet so December isn’t quite so overwhelming.

I’d love to hear from y’all — how do you budget for Christmas? Do you set an amount per child, per family, or just a total spending cap? I know there has to be a better system than the one I’m currently using.

On a lighter note, next year we’re finally going to hang Christmas lights on the front porch. Believe it or not, we’ve never done that in all the years I’ve been with Mr. C. Right now, my porch is still decorated for Thanksgiving, and I really need to carve out an evening to switch it over. I have so many cute Christmas decorations that deserve to be out there.

Before I wrap this up, I want to ask one more thing — do you have a favorite festive recipe you’d be willing to share in the comments? I’m always looking for easy Christmas or New Year’s recipes. The simpler, the better, because I’m definitely a simple cook.

Here’s to a busy but joyful Thursday and counting down the days to Christmas.