As always at this time of year, I’ve given myself the maximum amount to do with the minimum time to do it. I love Christmas time. I really do. I just don’t like all the responsibility that comes with it.
I love giving, I hate shopping. I love eating, I don’t like the stress of making sure I have everything I need and getting it all ready on time. And don’t even get me started on wrapping presents. I love seeing them under the tree … if only the elves would wrap them for me.
Is that too much to ask?
It looks like I won’t be able to have my mother over this year. The Covid cases in my town are climbing, and while I trust myself not to give her anything other than gifts and food, I understand that not everyone is as careful as I am. The long term care home has to make a blanket rule, and I’m much more comfortable with them saying no to all the families.
But my mother won’t understand. She doesn’t remember there’s a virus, even if I tell her every two minutes. I’m hoping they’ll still let me visit with a negative Covid test. I might at least be able to do that.
So where was I with the mini/maxi thing? Oh yeah! I’ve also given myself a week to edit 50K words of my own book for publication in February. And I have two days to go with 25K words left to go before I have to send it to my developmental editor.
I’m working at maximum capacity, I tell ya.

2019-2020 SoCS Badge by Shelley! https://www.quaintrevival.com/
This stressful-just-reading-it post was brought to you by Stream of Consciousness Saturday. Find the prompt here and join in! https://lindaghill.com/2020/12/11/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-dec-12-2020/
December 19, 2020 at 10:46 pm
It’s occurred to me that I, too, must go out and purchase things like ingredients and wax paper. I thought we were out of parchment paper, so I bought that, and got home — Nope! Wax paper!
I have two presents yet to receive, they have been bought, and what I have received is wrapped under the tree. I LOVE WRAPPING! If we lived nearer one another, I would come over and wrap for you ❤
Here's hoping once the prep is done, the holidays themselves are peaceful for you x
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December 14, 2020 at 2:36 pm
I hope you and your mom stay safe, and the pressure eases for you:)
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December 15, 2020 at 12:01 pm
Thanks, Jami. ❤
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December 13, 2020 at 8:42 pm
I don’t like shopping, so don’t buy many presents. But I do like wrapping presents, especially with Christmas music or movies in the background. I wish I could wrap your presents for you. I hope you get to bring Christmas to your mom and have some time to relax and enjoy the magic.
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December 15, 2020 at 12:01 pm
Thanks, JoAnna. I wish you could wrap my gifts for me too! Haha! ❤
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December 13, 2020 at 8:20 pm
Happy holidays linda! You are a busy bee that’s a sure thing! Lol! 😛 I hope you get the book in on time to the editor! And I hope you have an awesome Christmas this year!
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December 15, 2020 at 12:00 pm
Thanks, Carol Anne. You too! ❤
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December 13, 2020 at 4:42 pm
They have to be extra-careful with the elderly, because most of the virus’s victims are 70 and over. The rest of us have a much better chance of outliving it. It really sucks, though, not being able to see her on Christmas.
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December 15, 2020 at 12:00 pm
It’s scary having a child with a heart condition these days, too.
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December 13, 2020 at 3:17 pm
Good luck with the editing. I really hope you get to see your mom for Christmas.
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December 15, 2020 at 11:58 am
Thanks, Dan. ❤
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December 13, 2020 at 1:14 pm
I’m same as you when it comes to Christmas. I hope you get that visit with your mom.
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December 15, 2020 at 11:58 am
Thanks, Jill. ❤
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December 13, 2020 at 4:48 am
I am with you Linda, I find Christmas so stressful. This year will be very quiet. Covid is rising again. Our eldest son won’t be coming he lives away, away and is worried he may infect us, plus he’s already in a Bubble. Our middle son works at Heathrow Airport so dealing with people from all over the world! Plus he’s got a chest infection …non Covid his latest test was negative. Our youngest and his family will be seeing members of my daughter in law’s family plus the grandchildren are at school and nursery right up until the 18th so they could have the virus and not know it. …it is going to be different. Good luck with the book that at least sounds exciting 💜🎄🎄 oh! Yes! Happy Christmas 😉🎄🎄🎄
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December 15, 2020 at 11:57 am
Thanks, Willow. ❤
Yep, it'll be different, but we'll get through it. All the best to you and your family for a safe and happy holiday.
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December 15, 2020 at 4:02 pm
Thank you Linda and the same to you 💖
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