When you run out of time.....

When you run out of time this close to Christmas and all you want to do is throw your arms in the air, join the club. You are not alone. Each year many of us have great plans to have it all done, gifts wrapped and under the tree or in the mail to their destinations by now. We vow each January that this year we will do better at Christmas time....... and here we are again ---- behind. 

Never give up.  Get even more creative. Go with  gift certificates, or even an almost done gift or an IOU. 
But do them creatively. 

Gift Certificates:
Create you own Gift Certificates.  Write on it what you are making for them. Add a photo of what the finished item will look like. 

Almost done gift:
Large bed quilt not done? Give the quilt top as a gift with a note that you will be getting it finished as soon after the holiday as you can. Explain that your longarmer was backed up with other quilts.  (I was/am.)

IOU:
IOU's work if you have totally run out of time to even get the gift started. Last year I made a wall hanging for my daugther with an IOU for three others throughout the year for each season.  She got all three in time throughout the year and an extra one on her birthday!
 
If not making the gift buy unable to purchase the gift asked for? IOU's work, the money and a card with a note saying what the money is to be used for.  Or create a miniture of the gift. A tiny toy replica of the larger tool wanted. A photo of the gift.  Use your imagination to it's fullest. 

And if all else fails and you don't even have a clue what you are getting someone..... if they live close enough you can make gift certificates for babysitting, cleaning their house, going shopping for them if they can't get out to shop on their own, taking them to the doctor or other appointments.  The list goes on and  on. 

Bake cookies and give them and the recipe along with it. Create a small cook book with some of your favorite foods that you know they like as well. 

As I am reaching the time of being creative in my own gift giving this year, I leave you with a few simple suggestions... Take a deep breath, know that most people will be understanding and don't over work yourself to the point that you can't enjoy Christmas day.  The most important thing is to be with family and friends and to celebrate the true meaning of the season.  
And this year we pray for the many who will be without family members.  

Til next time - keep the needles stitching, the creativeness flowing and let your smile glow with the joy in your heart. 

Phyllis

 
  
 

Time Marches On

Santa Granny's Star Block

Time keeps marching on. Each night we call it a day, fall asleep and awake to start fresh and accomplish everything on our 'to do' list as well as everything we didn't get done the day before. In the middle of all the 'best made plans...' is reality. 

My reality seems to be 'how much can I cram into a single day?'. And I continue to add more and more. When I talk or post all that I do in one day people ask me how I do it, when do I have time, and 'do you ever sleep?"  

Time management.  (And to be honest I feel I waste a lot of time.) Set your priorities.

Lists - I make them from time to time when I have a LOT to get done and feel myself rushed to get it all done. 

Delegate - When I am overwhelmed I do have 'people'.  It's great to have 'people'. Whether it is my husband who helps with the cooking, cleaning up, laundry, or accepting that the house isn't always perfect; or a friend who helps with my quilting from time to time when I am backed up; or the customer who puts a smile on my face when I feel stressed. That customer isn't delegated specifically but that is when the spontaneous events of the day help pull us through. 

Breath - yes, I do that from time to time.  I am blessed to live in the country with some great views from our back deck. By just taking a few moments during the day, when I am at home working, to look outside and on nice days to go outside and just gaze out into never never land helps keep the mind clear. 

Sleep - o.k. I consider sleep overrated and if I didn't have to sleep I probably wouldn't. However, everyone needs sleep. Some need more sleep than others to be able to be their best. Find out how much sleep you need and do your best to get that every night. 

Eating right - This is important all year 'round. But especially this time of year. We are surrounded by sweet treats, Christmas parties and a busy life that seems to take away the time to eat the way we should. We grab the fast food, make a quick sandwich instead of a full square meal. We relish the sweet cookies, fudge, candies, cakes and pies that come with the holidays. From October until Jan 1st we tend to eat wrong. Then on Jan 1 we all go on that diet we vow to keep. Learn to limit the sweet treats, eat square meals instead of fast food all the time. 

Exercise - O.k. I know most of us hate that word, and usually don't participate. We work on our feet, we walk while we shop (and then grab a fast food bite to eat). By the time we get home and can sit down- that is all we want to do is sit down.  I'm guilty here as well. Let's try to go for a short walk, do some stretches.  (I'll try ;)) No promises on this one even from me - until Jan. So I won't hold you to this. 

So, as the days count down and Christmas comes upon us before we know it, take time to do what you can, delegate what you can't and for all the rest that doesn't get done... be true to yourself and admit we can only do so much.  (There have been many times the Christmas gifts from me are "I.O.U.'s").  

And in preparation for next year ----- start thinking Christmas gifts in Jan. That is what my Granny always did.  I wish I had her organizational skills to do that......maybe next year.

In the mean time, as you have time, and until next time......

Keep those needles stitching, the crafts and gifts going, the wrapping started, the tree and decor put up, the hot chocolate ready, the egg nog fresh, the cookies baking, and the joy of the Christmas season in our hearts.   

Phyllis