Christmas? Me Stressed? Not yet......

It's Tuesday and it's 2 days until December and it's the beginning of the holiday season....I do not have time to BLOG.......  
Actually, I do - I am making every effort to relax this season and not get caught up in the holiday frenzy, so I am joining up with my girls, Shawn & Impulsive Addict (and yes they are MY girls, that's not just a saying, check out all the fun we had in Austin last May if you want to see why)Last week in Church, our pastor said something that I took to heart and am going to take to heart this Christmas season.  He was speaking on getting all caught up with the Holiday Craziness (shopping, decorating, baking, parties, etc.) - FYI: I love all this "holiday craziness", but HATE the stress that comes with it. 
He said, "Everyone is running around, obsessed with finding the perfect gift, when GOD has already given us the PERFECT GIFT when he gave us Jesus." His message was to relax and focus on the reason we celebrate and not get so stressed.
I walked out of there feeling so much more at ease with my lack of preparation for Christmas.  Being gone in Nowheres Oklahoma for 4 days didn't help get Christmas up, ya know.
So, that is my goal.  I want to feel relaxed this season.  Hmm, but can I really?
- We took down all the decorations on Sunday afternoon (over 20 boxes worth).  They are sitting in my garage.  It's Tuesday and we have only gotten the outside lights up, all my Department 56 (31 of them) houses put up above the cabinets, and the tree is up (no ornaments yet though).  Oh, and our stockings are hung.  How do I feel about living in Christmas chaos - no biggie.
- We do an advent calendar in which every night has an "event", like watch The Polar Express together, read A Christmas Mouse, go look at lights, etc.  This year, they might get candy in their Advent calendar.  I still have 2 more days to get that organized.
- I always stress out over the Christmas Card.  (don't judge me, you know you do too!!) I had the perfect idea for a family picture which the hubby nixed (truth be told, I felt a little relieved).  We took some great pics of the kids at the ranch and 30 minutes later online, we had a great card ordered.  yay.
- Our Elf, George, should be arriving for his visit on Thursday, December 1 - I have a feeling he is going to get into a ton of mischief thanks to my good friend Pinterest......
-And speaking of Pinterest, there are some amazing things that I really want to do, but again, it adds to the stress for me....

 thanks to ucreatewithkids.com 

 thanks to squidoo.com

thanks to centsationalgirl.com

And this is just 3 pictures of the tons of stuff I have pinned on my Christmas board....just the thought of "making" these crafts breaks me out into hives...... hmmmm.....rethinking the crafts....
-There are so many fun events happening here in Austin that I would love to do with the family.... Lighting of the Christmas Tree, ice skating on the roof of Whole Foods,  An Elf quote-along, Christmas shopping in Fredricksburg, and the North Pole Flyer.  We are actually going on the North Pole Flyer with a big group of friends - we have an entire car to ourselves for the 3 hours - so excited....
-Last year, we started a tradition that I want to continue - we hosted a Christmas Pajama exchange for Sis and all of her friends - it was adorable.  This year I am thinking of doing a separate one for the moms.  Instead of cocoa and cookies, maybe wine & chocolate???
- And Christmas presents?  I have a few things...I didn't do anything yesterday on Cyber Monday.....I just haven't gotten there yet....
So, as of now (Tuesday, Nov 29), I am officially NOT STRESSED about Christmas.  I am not going to allow myself to get stressed (I am going to keep repeating this to myself until it's true).  IS IT POSSIBLE?  We'll see......
Happy Holidays Y'all!!