We WERE behind on everything here...tree, decorating the house, shopping, cookies etc. I have 2 projects going...one is almost done and the other I have to sandwich and then quilt. But it's in the ditch and then just straight lines for the Christmas table topper. It's for us so still have time. Hubby took off work today and we got all of the shopping done...also Amazon is a lifesaver...ordered a lot from there and the last shipment with most everything was shipped out today. House is 99% decorated, tree is up with the lights on it. Christmas cards are now all in the mail. First batch of cookies went in the garbage. I have a thing about always trying new recipes...should test it at another time of year...not for Christmas. We have 2 Christmas parties this weekend, have to deliver a gift to a friend on Friday plus put wreaths on my hubby's parents and grandparents graves, hosting Christmas Eve dinner and gift exchange with our kids and grandkids. And then 12/28 hosting hubby's brothers and their families (25 people) for our annual Christmas dinner and visiting. I'm sure I left something out.

Every year we say...next year we are not doing as much and then before you know it we are acutally doing more than the year before. I'm getting too old for this.......LOL

Oh LindaM49, hosting the 25 people on the 28th sounds almost worse than starting a king size quilt at this point. Please tell me everyone brings a dish to pass. Maybe it's time to hint broadly to the next generation that it's their turn to plan and host. Have a glass of wine and tell them how very rewarding it feels and try to keep a straight face!

I was on a roll - had some many projects done and then BAM my machine went on the naughty list! Thankfully, my dealer lent me a machine while my baby is at the doctor so I can get some more things done.

I was so proud before as I had even mailed out some presents early but oh my her misbehaving seer me back big time because of all the days fighting with her!

I do it every year.

I'm starting to feel a little stressed too. alright, a little bit more than a little. I have a little under half of my mom's quilt to finish by hand by Christmas (and wash) and I figure at least 10 more hours to finish the quilting in it. On the bright side, as we stay home on Christmas, as long as they get it by midnight it's on time :) Other than that, I finished sewing tags on the rest of my gifts tonight and only have to wash them tomorrow. Oh, why is Christmas so early?? Can't it wait a little? Like til March???

On a scary thought and not to stress anyone out, but Christmas is in 11 days! (Gah! got to get moving!)

I think the reason this never happens might be because we're all "christmased out" and don't want to think about anything Christmasy until we're ready for it. Which unfortunately is always too late in the year

Yes...everyone does bring a dish to share. The hosts always make the most, but when you have 8 families bringing other things sometimes you end up with too much food. Thank God my daughter and her daughter LOVE to cook (daughter graduated from Culinary and now grandaughter is a junior and in Culinary Arts) so they usually bring a couple of dishes. Good point about the next generation except...in all honesty, I think 1/2 of them don't think getting together with family beyond your own immediate family is important anymore. Not like when I was young(50s) and our kidswere born in 1970 and 1972. I'm not a big wine drinker (only like white/dry wine) but I sure will be sipping on a gin and tonic...water glass size. LOL

As far as everyone else...I hope you all get your projects finished without too much stress.

Every, every gosh darn year, it is the same thing, over and over. Push, push,push and by the time Christmas arrives, I am harried, frustrated and grumpy as a sore thumb. Why do we do this to ourselves and everyone who is unfortunate enought to be around us??? Guess there really is no cure, I have been doing it all my adult years and nothing changes. Must be a slow learner.

I couldn't even beging to attempt a project as large as that since I do pretty much everything by hand. I'd be banging my head against the wall! Good luck on finishing.

This year my wall crashing isn't as bad as in the past. I like to think I am getting smarter. Sure! We will see what next year brings. Like a few have mentioned...I am going to start making some of these wonderful ideas in January and next December just wrap u my gifts and go out and party. I will check in next year at this time and let you know how it goes.