Christmas Countdown
The Christmas countdown has begun, and it’s not been too pretty around here. It’s like the boys know they are supposed to behave, so they go completely the opposite way. I think they are actually challenging me to put some coal in their stockings this year!
I’m not sure if it’s just me, or has the Christmas countdown felt like it’s been in warp speed this year?! Didn’t we just start the school year?
These past couple weeks have been especially busy. From Holiday music concerts to school parties to volunteering, I feel like I should get my own locker. Then, there are the field trips, the fundraisers, and Spirit days, which, if I’m lucky, I remember at the last-minute. Plus, I’ve started Physical Therapy for my neck, I’m teaching, and still trying to get the hang of the new gym’s schedule.
Did I mention the Christmas shopping?!
Actually, I think I’m done. I thought I was done last week, until my husband asked the boys what they wanted.
Yeah. Not what I bought.
The Hardest
The thing that makes everything hard is the boys’ behavior. They are complete angels at school (unless they are watching their big brother in the audience of a concert!) then they have complete meltdowns at home.
It is not making me look forward to Christmas break.
I think one reason they are misbehaving is the departure from our regular schedule. Even though we’ve added in a lot of fun things, it changes our “normal.” Later bedtimes, more activities, and no routine really impacts them.
It impacts me.
I’m tired, I’m crabby, and my already low threshold for whining is almost non-existent.
So, instead of focusing on all the terrible things that happened this week, I’m going to list what I’m grateful for. If I don’t adjust my attitude, how can I expect my children to do the same?
Gratitude Christmas Countdown
- Meeting new ladies and hanging with good friends with a cup of tea, some essential oils, and a giant bottle of Vodka in the middle of the table(even though we didn’t drink it!)
- Adorable Gingerbread Men, and the calmest Kindergarten Christmas Party Ever!
- Dancing. Even when I’m exhausted, and force myself to go to class, once I’m there, it’s always fantastic.
- The Nutcracker. Our current theme at the studio where I teach. I love the music so much. It always brings me right back to when I fell in love with Ballet.
- Nighttime snuggles. Even though it disrupts my sleep, I still love to cuddle with my boys.
- Reading. Watching the twins learn, and seeing Mr. B make such great progress makes my heart happy.
- Shopping. And imaging the joy (even if it’s only for 5 seconds) of them opening the perfect present.
- New episodes of The Crown, Shut Eye, and Younger.
- Watching the boys swim. They are loving their new lessons at Goldfish Swim School. I’ll be sharing more on this next week.
- Finally watching the first episode of Stranger Things Season 2 with my husband. Even though we may have to re-watch it, since someone was snoring on the couch.
- Coloring! They are getting good!
- Movie Night with some awesome friends. Yes, I’ll have the LARGE wine while I watch A Bad Moms Christmas. While super silly, the movie made me feel validated in my feelings about Christmas as a mom.
- Good workouts. Feeling stronger, and less like the New Kid.
- My new Dance Bag!
- A neck that is getting less stiff and painful, with the help of Physical Therapy.
- Running all my errands yesterday, so I could stay in my PJs all day today….until swim lessons, followed by dinner with my Twin Moms.
- Our Christmas Tree Forest.
So, if your house is anything like mine lately, maybe you can make a gratitude list too. I know it may not solve problems, but it definitely puts them in perspective.
Are you looking forward to Christmas? Has the Christmas countdown in your house been a little crazy too? Make me feel better by leaving me some comments below.
I love a good physical therapy to loosen up the joints! Not going to lie (*signed chronic pain patient)
I think kids feel most comfortable at home letting loose and letting their true emotions show. They’re more at ease with pushing the boundaries with mom and dad then with teacher…plus they’re tired after school. That’s not an excuse for bad behaviour…nope! Na. No! I’m just saying…
I hope that you have a wonderful weekend!
So true Kim. I just wish we could have a little of the school behavior at home once in a great while 😉 Hope you have a great weekend too!
I love your new dance bag!! And best of luck getting everything done this holiday season—you’re right. I feel like time is really moving at warp speed lately. I’m sorry to hear the boys have been misbehaving, but I’m sure a break from routine has something to do with i. I’m sure that they won’t want coal in their stockings this year from Santa 😉
I’ve always loved the Nutcracker too. The music, choreography, stage, costumes—always makes me feel like it’s really Christmas <3
Exactly! Thank you Charlotte! XO
I’m sorry the Christmas Countdown has been a bit stressful and difficult to handle with the kids. I think disrupting schedules can really impact anyone, even if you ARE doing fun things. That’s great they are enjoying swimming though and yay for a calm Kindergarten party. 🙂 That’s great your neck is starting to feel better and dance is going well. My dance classes end until the new year…
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
Thanks Lauren!
Love the idea of a gratitude list! I know what you mean about kids behaving better at school! I’ve come to realize that is how I would want it though. It is harder for them to behave and takes a lot of control so when they get home they can relax and let go…..however frustrating that can be!
Very true, Heather. 🙂
The holiday season is so busy and parenting can be such a challenge. I love how you are practicing what you preach by focusing on being grateful.
Thank you so much Shelah!
Making a gratitude list is such a great way to turn the focus of the holidays back where it belongs! It’s so easy to get caught up! http://www.thedarlingdahlia.com
Thank you Kim! And yes, that movie is a must-see for all moms!
Thank you Penny!
Agreed. Thank you Beth!
Ha ha!
I know, right?!
Christmas is definitely approaching at warp speeds, like this entire week is a blur. Where has it gone?! And I’m running out of time!! Eeep!
Your new dance bag is quite cute and fitting (obvi). 🙂
Your boys’ colouring is so cute and as always, they look so happy and proud to show it all off to momma.
I hope you’re having a great week and that the boys haven’t changed their minds TOO much in terms of what they want for Christmas! LOL.
Merry Christmas love! xoxox
Ha! It ended up OK 🙂 Hope you had a great Christmas, and your new year is off to a wonderful start!