Holiday Stress
Posted By AmyD. on November 28, 2007
For years I have laughed when people whined and complained about holiday stress. Really, I did. I thought they were sad little drama addicts searching for an excuse to complain in an otherwise happy time of the year.
While people screamed about budgets and gift limits, I laughed, not because I had limitless amounts in the bank, but because it seemed very simple, you either had the money or you didn’t. Done. I worked with what I had and either did well or did the very best I could – even in very lean years.
Until this year.
This year, it’s getting to me. Bills, company billing and clients who aren’t paying, and the long list of gifts that have not been purchased. I’m losing it. Do you know how frustrating it can be to be owed more than you owe and yet not be able to pay what you owe because you aren’t being paid what you are owed? (Read that last part slooooowly, I did, a few times.)
I’m doing better than a lot of people, I constantly have to point that out to myself, but I am not doing well enough for me. Therein lies the problem, one of the many. The bills are mounting and the “to buy” list is NOT getting any shorter.
Worse yet, the closer we get to Christmas means the more likely I am to have to LEAVE the house to purchase Christmas gifts. Something I haven’t had to do in several years. And, I just refuse to pay exorbitant amounts for last minute shipping.
Gah.
*breathing*
*humming Carol of the Bells*
*breathing*
*breathing*
Ok… I can do this. I can totally do this. I don’t know what it is… but I’m sure I can manage it.
——————-
Enough of that stuff. I’m mentioned a while ago that I was really getting into beer. I’m currently drinking a Pyramid Hefeweizen Ale. I really like it a lot, actually. Has anyone had this year’s WinterFest from Sam Adams? I’m dying to try it. The Octoberfest was really good this year.
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I decided last year that I was severely limiting who gets Christmas gifts. Makes it much easier.
Ah babe, I’m sorry. Are they kids lists you’re stressing about – or other people that you can either whack off the list of find alternate less expensive things? Homemade??
Although I suppose, ultimately, it’s the not knowing.
I’m sorry honey. :heartbeat:
I know how you feel. My hubby and I also run our own business and it’s hard when customers don’t want to pay their bills. I hope things work out for you and the stress doesn’t ruin the holiday for you.
I totally get that little tongue twister! Ugh…and I also agree with your philosophy of you either have it or don’t and do the best with what you’ve got
But don’t stress. It’s Christmas and stress should never be a part of Christmas :thumbsup:
I have been a BAH HUMBUG activist for as many years as I have been an adult/married with children.
Somehow, last year, I shook it. I didn’t buy much of anything and let it be. I didn’t let myself feel guilty and I didn’t beat myself up.
I’m not going to be BAH HUMBUG this year, but I also don’t intend to get much of anything for anybody. Rather, I’m baking cookies and making hot chocolate mix in mason jars. Cute, cheap, tasty. Relaxing for me to do.
I hope your holidays are wonderlicious!
Avi – I’m about there and will have had no choice in the matter.
Miss B – You know, it isn’t one or the other… you are right, it’s the NOT knowing. It’s the uncertainty… blah blah. It’s all just getting to me. Usually all of my Christmas presents are bought by Thanksgiving and I just sit back and wait for packages to arrive.
Lisa – Ahhh, so you understand. And, you probably realize that any other time of year it would be a pain but not anxiety inducing stress as it is at this time of year.
:banghead:
tj – true. Excellent point. After all, it certainly isn’t the fault of Christmas. LOL
Divalicious – And the very same to you! Merry Christmas!!! And, thank you for stopping by!
Mmm … Sam Adams Winter White … mmmm … I can’t drink any this year, though … little one on the way. Damn.
I get paid tomorrow. More beer to come… :dance:
Em – Awww, man, that IS a bummer. Still, congrats on the impending arrival!
Geek – WOO HOO!!!!! :rock: