Friday, December 19, 2014

So far behind

Vintage handmade stocking.

Vintage stag and moose plates and a
mounted deer antler set with a plaid scarf wrap.


I cannot believe 
that I am so far behind 
in getting our 
Christmas together 
this year. 


It is like that old saying,
"the shoemaker's children go shoeless."

My house is always the last to be decorated!


Large and small vintage glitter houses and churches.


After having decorated clients homes 
followed by being a vintage/antique vendor 
at a crazy busy two day holiday boutique show --
to say I am very far behind 
in getting my giant Christmas list of
"Things to Do" 
is an understatement!


(Note: the items shown in my photos 
were taken at the boutique sale.
Some of the items are still available.)

Set of six vintage framed prints of clan tartan patterns.


We finally brought our tree in and decorated 
it yesterday. This is very late for me!

There are five piles of fresh garland sitting at our 
front door since Thanksgiving -- yet to be hung.

Wreaths need to be hung and bows added.

Gifts need to be purchased then wrapped
and packed since many of them get 
shipped off 
to family members living in other states.

Vintage elves


I am overwhelmed!
Stress and anxiety have gotten the best of me.

Is there anyone else out there 
who is feeling like me?!

Trying to get it together.
Trying to accept that much will not get done.
Trying to be "okay" with that.
Taking deep breaths.





I did get our nativity set out
and that is keeping me focused.

It is reminding me of the
"reason for the season." 

It's ok 
if I don't get all my usual
decorations up and out on display.





"He" is ok with that 
and I need to be 
ok
with it too.






Very thankful.
Very grateful.
Counting my blessings.





Merry Christmas
and Happy Holidays
to you all.

(Thanks for listening.)

;)
xoxoxox~
Alison




15 comments:

Rebecca said...

Yes, HE is OK with that! It's that kind of Christmas for me, too. I hope all the stress, hurry and worry calms and our heart experiences the most unusual peace in the next few days, Allison. Merry Christmas to you and all whom you love. ♥

Pamela Gordon said...

I was feeling that way too Alison, at the first of the month but soon got it done and I'm ready. Mind you, I'm not busy decorating other peoples homes and I don't work outside our home so I had no excuse like that.... although I have been grieving my brother's passing in November and that has really changed my outlook this year. But I did get ready and parcels were sent this week by paying double the price to get them there by Christmas. What doesn't get done is okay. It's not really that important. What's important is family, friends and celebrating the real reason for Christmas. I wish you a blessed holiday. Enjoy. Pamela

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

I am thinking we need to start a new tradition where, if you decorate late (like my tree is still not up) you get to keep decorations up the whole month of January. I've been debating on whether I should just skip the tree, but if it stayed up a while it would be worth it.

Calypso In The Country said...

I am behind this year as well! It will all get done...just focus on what's important. Your home is beautiful no matter what! Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas!
Cheers! - Shelley

Heritage Hall said...

Join the club, Allison dear heart;
not the frenzied club, but the acceptance club....Having lost my
Beloved this year, the pandemonium
wrapped around Christmas I have witnessed of late makes me want to
take the world and shake it and
admonish all to look at each other, really look at each other and don't allow the love and expression of it to become buried
at the bottom of the to do list...
You as a decorator must know that
it takes very little in good taste to create the Christmas atmosphere...opening up gifts of
memories while making new ones is the antidote to feeling driven... Wishing you and yours a most blessed Christmastide
and a joyous New Year.

At the garden gate said...

Thanks for taking a little of your limited time to give us an update. I must confess I was thinking "where is she with all those wonderful pics". After the big day, when you can take a deep breath, please take and share your beautiful home decorated with your usual flair. Was just wondering, does a decorator have to go back and take it all down, Lord I hope not! Anyways have a Very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

NanaDiana said...

I did about1/2 as much as this year as I did other years. What doesn't get done doesn't matter, Alison...Family is the best part of it all and they are all forgiving! xo Diana

Suburban prep said...

Alison
You had a beautiful stand at Woodlands. You helped others get their holidays ready. I hope that things go well for you and your family.
There are times when you can only do what you can do.
All the best for a wonderful Christmas and a Happy 2015

Susie said...

Allison, Have you ever heard...the hurrier I go the behinder I get... LOL. I just seemed to have realized that Christmas is 5 days way. Where did this month go ? Yes, that is how I feel. I will send you wishes for the time to go smoothly for you. Blessings for a happy Christmas. xoxo,Susie

Babs said...

Alison, I retired from 20 years of retail and I know what you're going through. You definitely have the right focus and I'm sure He understands. I know you'll get the important things done on time. Hang in there. :)
Wishing you and your family a lovely Christmas.
xo Babs

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Merry Christmas to you and your family Alison!!

Rose L said...

Don't feel bad. I have only one ornament in my front yard, no tree up and probably not going to do one this year. You are 20 steps ahead of me.

Sarah said...

I got the tree up and the house decorated the weekend after Thanksgiving, but only because we were expecting house guests the first weekend in Dec. I didn't do as much as usual, but have enjoyed having it done early. It's given me the incentive to entertain more which means spending time with friends.
I know you'll get things done, but remember simple is good! Happy Holidays, my friend!

Janie said...

Take a deep breath. Maybe even a yawn. Look at all you have accomplished and thank God. You are there. Everything else you do is fluff.

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

This year, I felt that I needed to slow down and keep it simple...the house is not decorated the way I used to and I am very much satisfied with that...I think we all put unrealistic expectations upon ourselves and then feel we have let down yourself and others...however, in the end, it is all about being with family and rejoicing the meaning of the season. It sounds like you have certainly put joy in others lives by doing what you did this season, making someone's home beautiful and providing wonderful things to make one happy!...Merry Christmas to you and your family!