Finally, some snow!
Yesterday we went hunting for our Christmas Tree. And darn it if I can't figure out how blogger downloads so these are backwards......ooooh, can anyone say 'child labor laws?'
The mighty warriors have conquered their prey
Jason, going in for the kill
seriously, can't figure out how these got in the order they did, it's not how I downloaded them...any way...a new use for a bike rack...it actually worked really well...Love my engineer husband.
This is the one...after an hour of trudging around
Nothing to do with trees or Christmas, but the tree farm was also home to a bunch of Alpacas...oh my gosh they're cute...
The finished product...hmmmm, looked less crooked in the forest of trees...and what's with that bald spot..oh well, we had fun picking it out, bringing it home and decorating it
Now for my dilemma......Every year I give an ornament exchange party. This year I've been so stressed about school that I was thinking of forgoing this one festivity. But then our tree went up and I got a bit melancholy about not doing it....so I said to Jason, "maybe I will do it" he answered, "only if you're not going to drive yourself crazy". So here's the deal, I can do electronic invites (did that last year, no one scoffed) I can do pre-made platters from the deli and bakery....this is out of my comfort zone, because one of the things I can do well is put on a spread of homemade goodies and I soooo enjoy hearing the ooohs and aaaahs....cooking for me is an expression of love (probably a major cause of my current weight issue but that's another post)...so it would be difficult to give that up...but having the pre-made stuff will cut my work down by a million percent and it really is about the gathering of friends....I can do the spread next year when I'm less stressed.....
So, should I do it? Should I throw the party minimal style and ask my guests to forgive the meager store bought offerings? Aimee posted pictures of last years festivities here should you need more information to help me with my decision.....
14 comments:
Hmmm. I assume you were making all the goodies because you enjoy it? But, really why not have everyone bring something? I always enjoy holiday carry-in's because it gives me a chance to make something that I like, but wouldn't make for just the two of us! So, I bet your guests would be delighted to bring a favorite snack.
We used to do a cookie swap, but my sisters and I got sick of it (fattening). Now, instead, we do a "Soup Swap." I make a HUGE pot of soup, portion it into 2-qt containers, and take them to the RESTAURANT, where we eat lunch and then swap soups outside afterwards. It's easy, and the soups over the long, cold, winter months is wonderful. What do you think?!
sandra...that is a good idea...i do love to cook and entertain and I feel like it's a gift to everyone to cook .... but maybe this year I could do a pot luck...
mrs444...ooooh, love the soup exchange, what a great idea...hmmmm
It's about the people you get together with. If something is too stressful, it's not worth it. Order at least half the food, or make it a pot luck.
Did you download them all at once, or one at a time? All at once, they should be in the order you selected. But one at a time, the first one will go to the bottom, with the last pic loaded at top. You can cut and paste or try loading several at once next time...
Think about why you want to do the ornament exchange. Is it to get together with friends? Or do you enjoy the preparation more? Give yourself a break and if it's really about getting together with everyone, then don't guilt yourself into thinking it's not as good without the homemade appetizers. You can't do it all. There are only so many hours in a day. So cut yourself a little slack.
Oh God....I wanna be over there more then my next breath.....now...
I'v never done an ornament exchange....I loveeeeeeeeee them....(sigh)
Oh and I have the BEST cookies to make this year....
Wait till you see them....I'll blog them....
Danielle ( wishing she was a PV mum more then ever)...
I just decided not to send out christmas cards this year!!!
Now there's a first. (But, I'm going to send an emailish one.)
Either way TZ - I'd be happy to attend; this year or next, with food or without, frazzled TZ or relaxed TZ, in a box or with a fox.
(But you'd better set a date FAST -wow! where'd that come from!)
You got snow already? We don't even have enough snow in the mountains for ski season yet.
I think you should have the party if you feel like it's something you'll really miss if you skip it. But definitely buy the platters or do it potluck. I'm sure everyone will understand given how busy you are these days!
I love the idea of an ornament party, by the way. Sounds like so much fun!
I won't pressure either way, but I was really disappointed that I couldn't go last year, and I'd be more than happy to bring a dish if you decide to go for it! :)
mrs kravitz if you see this message let me know because your evite got bounced back!
I think it's more about being with friends - although your food was amazing last year! If you make the coffee, have others bring a potluck desert.
That's a tough one. I'm currently in the process of saying "no" to just about anything that requires work...and I'm not in med school!!! I'm just overloaded and on a detox of sorts.
But...if it's something that you really love to do...sharpen your axe and take a day off from school stuff and relax doing something you love. With you axe sharper, you'll get more done when you are back at it. :)
If your invited friends knew that it was stressful/overwhelming to create the atmosphere, it would ruin the fun. Friends want the process to enjoyable as well at the end event.
Potluck it and enjoy what friends can offer. I'm envious. I'd love to do an ornament swap. Ornaments are one of my favorite things to give.
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