You know, the one where every year I promise to keep the holidays simple, slow down and enjoy them, and employ Kiri’s favorite word “NO!” when asked to join one more committee or take on one more task.
This year I have some good news to report in that I actually used the NO! word several times this week (granted I spoke it politely), and now I am very glad I’m not stressing over three extra things tonight. I’m beginning to see why kids love that word so darn much.
Anyway, though, I am worked up about Saturday evening. You see, I said “Yes!” to hosting my town’s MOMS Club Thanksgiving celebration. That means that Saturday at 4:00 30 families will drop by our house for an informal Thanksgiving meal. Yes, I meant 30 families, not 30 people. Our house will be bulging at the seams for a few hours there. Fortunately it’s a pot-luck meal, and the party committee planned the menu, the kids’ activities, and the decorations, so in theory all I have to do is open a presentably clean house to the Club and its families. We even have people charged with before party prep work, and others charged with clean-up. So it shouldn’t be anything to get worried about, right? Other than the fact that I spoke up for the vegetarian members of the club and volunteered to make a kid-friendly vegetarian main dish. (You wouldn’t believe the number of people who assume turkey is OK for vegetarians since it isn’t a red meat!) And a couple dozen cookies because I like to decorate them. Also, Kevin’s been in England all week, and he’s returning Friday. I hope he can handle the mix of jet-lag and children running amuck.
Yeah, OK, there’s a bit of stress there, now that I write it down. It could be worse,though, and so for that I’m grateful.
And then there Liam’s birthday party. His birthday is 11/27, which means he’s got a Thanksgiving birthday this year. We can’t have his party the Saturday after Thanksgiving since so many friend will be gone. So we went for the next Saturday, the 6th. Liam picked his invitations and we had them printed. They came yesterday and they are very cute. I almost started sending them out immediately but got distracted. Good thing, too, because today I found out that the Winter Garden celebration at his school is running that day. Given that we have everyone in his class on the list of invitees, we decided to punt and move the party to Sunday, the 7th. We’ll just have to do a little editing on the cards. I really have to get started on those. So, moderate stress from the Birthday Party Department.
However, I’m sure this will all work it’s way out, and we’ll have some wonderful memories made along the way, I just have to remember that part about breathing, and enjoying the moment!
Oh, my! 30 families is definitely a lot… but, it sounds as though you’ll be having tons of help.
We’ve had a similar stress about Isaac’s party this year. He turns 3 on Dec. 14th and we’re having his party Nov. 30th. I ended up letting our neighbor friends actually pick the date b/c Isaac will just be having the three boys over. They told me when they were available and so we set that date. But, we had to kind of plan around all the holiday plans everyone has set already.
Deep, deep breaths. It will all be fine!
And GO YOU for saying no!!!!!
You’ll make it through, and the kids will certainly have a blast! I bet you might even have some fun, too.
I need to practice the “n” word more!