At least I managed to stay out of the malls this year.  As many of you will remember, I decided some months ago to put some heartfelt love into Christmas and go almost entirely homemade in the realm of gift-giving.  I have since spent many hours researching, contemplating, planning and stockpiling supplies to prepare.  Over the last week, I have spent no less than 40 hours getting all of these items put together.  At times I found it nearly as stressful as shopping with no idea of what to get someone.  I got snippy with my kids because I was afraid I wouldn't get it all finished in time.
    I'm still not finished, although I am prepared for my first Christmas gathering of the year this evening.  I am also fully on schedule to complete any straggling projects before any person goes empty handed at the specified time for the exchange of presents.  I am most proud of including both of my children in these projects, even when they were easier to do myself, and of getting those snippy moments under control-- remembering that I could be dragging uncooperative children through store after store rather than letting them take a break from (insert project here that I cannot name because half of my readers are recipients of said project) before encouraging them to continue by reminding them how special these gifts will be to people.
    I was pleased to teach my girls-- especially Baby Duck, as Ladybug is a bit to young to understand-- about putting ourselves into our gifts.  All the time we spent together was much better for our relationship than parking garages and shopping bags could ever be, and we have some pretty cool stuff to give as a result!  I was actually amazed at how much more each of the girls could do-- and were willing to do-- than I ever expected.  And I expect a lot out of my kids!
    So now I am letting my mind wander a bit and I am realizing how much cleaning I have to do before the festivities begin tonight, so I should probably wrap this up.  To all of my family who will be on the receiving end of all this work:  I hope you genuinely like what I have planned out for you and know that we put much thought, effort and love into every bit of it.  
    Now go out and enjoy Christmas as it was meant to be:  a celebration of love, as shown to us by God in sending His son as the ultimate gift for us.  Share that love with the people who mean the most to you.  You never know how many more chances you get before the hourglass runs out.

CL