The other day I started to panic. About Christmas. Yes, I am aware that we are currently in the month of August.
But the baby! He’ll be arriving in late November, the time of year that is usually filled with the writing of Christmas cards, the baking of delicious, chocolately treats, the shopping, the listening of Bing Crosby while strewing about the house of festive decorations (the “red shit”, as my mom and I so affectionately call them).
“We might need some help getting a Christmas tree this year,” I said to Graham one day recently.
“Why? We can still do it.”
He’s right, of course. The lot where we buy our Christmas tree every year is five minutes away and the whole process usually takes a grand total of 30 minutes, door to door. We can bundle the baby up in his car seat and take him with us to pick out a tree, right?
I can always write Christmas cards before the baby arrives. I seem to start this project earlier and earlier every year so no big deal there. One quick mail merge and the address labels will be done.
I’m going to take a wild guess that I won’t be up to doing much holiday baking in my sleepless, breastfeeding haze, so I could make some treats up ahead of time and freeze them. I refuse to go without my Shortbread Caramel Squares.
I can pick up some little presents here and there anytime now, or I can shop for presents online if I have to. Family on both my side and Graham’s usually draw names so that makes the arduous task of annual Christmas shopping much more pleasant to manage. The baby will be portable enough that I hope to be able to take him downtown here in the village where I live for a little festive shopping. We can stop in at the breastfeeding-friendly coffee house to warm up and get a little something to eat (both of us).
All of this sounds completely crazy, I know, and yet, these annual holiday rituals are really important to me, and always will be. Having a child in the house will make Christmas even more special, and I don’t want to give up these rituals, rather, I want to show them to our son, share them with him. So while it may seem irrational to be making plans for Christmas in August, here I am, doing just that.
I completely know what you mean. I’m a Christmas FREAK, and had the same concerns when my son was born November 16. It was ROUGH. Thanksgiving was a wash that year. But I did manage to do some of the normal Christmas stuff I always do. I made a lot of gifts, so hubby just took over baby duty for a few evenings so I could get things done. And it was pretty easy to bake while he napped or sat in his swing. I tell you though…there is nothing like Christmas with a baby! It made the season a lot more magical
That is kind of adorable. It’ll happen, things may be a little different than usual or you might be surprised and be able to do everything you normally would. Parenting is about rolling with the punches, and usually if you’re flexible, it all turns out just fine.
Thanks, Tiffany. At least for us, Thanksgiving is in early-ish October! Also, I just realized that I get to buy a TINY LITTLE STOCKING this year!
Kyla, you’re right, I have to just remember to roll with the punches, as you put it!
I know EXACTLY what you mean. Christmas is my favorite holiday season of all, and I’ll be massively pregnant by then (due January 6th).
I told my husband we should probably get the shopping done in September and October, since I really don’t want to be out at the mall when I am whale-like and grouchy. My sister has already been recruited to help me put up and decorate our little artificial tree.
But depending on how I feel, I might miss most of the holiday gatherings, which makes me a little sad. We’ll just have to see how things go, I guess!
Oh, just thinking of all the great photos you’ll get of your kiddo with the seasonal decorations is making me so happy
So funny. Just remember to ask for help from people around you! Christmas is going to be AMAZING this year because you get to have your little boy here! It won’t even matter in the long run if you don’t get to bake as much as you usually do.
velocibadgergirl, glad I’m not the only one thinking this way!
Habbala, you’re right, I will definitely have to get better at asking for help! And Christmas will still be Christmas, with or without the shortbread.
Christmas is one busy season. I can relate to your concern. However, this year, your christmas will be extra-special because of your baby. Congratulation for the baby coming this November and Belated Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Doesn’t sound crazy at all! I don’t celebrate Christmas, but I have booked both my kids birthday parties (one isn’t until January). Nothing wrong with planning ahead!!
oh god – i’m due nov. 8th, and i didn’t even think about Christmas. Cue panic mode!
meh – everyone might just get gift cards this year… ha!