This is Not a Test

Kira wrote a fantastic post. In it, she brings  up a very good point: Christmas is not a test.

Christmas sure feels like a test.

Christmas is a test of my endurance. Christmas is a test of my ingenuity. Christmas is a test of my stress management capabilities. Christmas is a test of my budgeting capabilities, my friendship tolerance, and my ability to do it all with a decided lack of sleep.

And without losing my ever loving mind.

But – here's the thing – I hate tests. I've never been one that was overly prepared for any test. Studying is not my forte. I rarely have a number two pencil, protractor, T-11 calculator, or even a spare sheet of loose leaf paper.

What I do have is a spreadsheet of presents, and I'm thankful that almost all of them are colored yellow – the sign to me that they're purchased. Having a job this year means that I don't have to stress quite as much as I have in years past. For this, I am immensely grateful.

What I don't have is the prepaid card that was sent to me for work that I did - it's been misplaced. So there is a very real possibility that I may not be able to color in the rest of that spreadsheet - and the one kid who still has some white on the list is going to need to have a talk with me.

What I do have is my family - and after this year, I cherish them more than ever.

What I don't have is patience, sanity or reason - so if you see a special on them, please to let me know.

Christmas is not a test. It's not a sprint or marathon or anything in between - it's a season.

Even if I do have two birthday parties on Saturday (for my girls!), a cookie party on Sunday and a family get together Monday and Tuesday.

I can do this. I can do it.

It sure would be nice to do it with that prepaid card in hand, though.

Comments

[Kyooty]

Let the season continue and may your Season be blessed. Xing fingers you find that prepaid.

[Kira]

Smooch, dear. All will be well.

[Beth]

Offered up a prayer to St. Michael for you! Have a great holiday and a blessed Christmans.

[Sylvia]

Wine, vodka, and beer. There's all the patience, sanity, and reason you need.

[Genevieve]

I usually pray St-Anthony for misplaced objects... it's a great help the majority of times!
best of luck and Happy Holidays!

[addy]

Ughhhhh - hang in there! It will show up. Hugs and love and just a bit of sanity sent your way.

[Nicki]

I raise my coffee cup to you in utmost respect. All of that would have me lying in the fetal position in the closet. May you get through it all with calm and sanity and then enjoy some downtime when it is all said and done.