Christmas Lists

Finally, I had the time (and mood) to sit down this evening and made my Christmas lists and things-to-do-list. It was just today that I realized that we don't have much time to do our Christmas stuffs since family from Malaysia will be coming over next week!! On top of that we'll be organizing the party for the kids at the village. We must finish everything we have to do before guests arrive so, we'll just relax and enjoy the time spent with them. So, this afternoon, my mind was swirling because it seems we're running out of time and 1) our second batch of Christmas cards to be sent are not yet done. 2)I don't have a specific list yet of who to give what for Christmas 3) I still don't know what food to prepare for that day (especially we'll be the one hosting the dinner for the whole family), and last but most importantly, I don't have any idea how much we'll spend for everything or if we even have a budget for it...hahahah!

So as a natural born planner, the only time I would feel peaceful or at ease is when I sit down and take time to write things out; names, gift items, menus, program, time and yes, COSTS. And after writing down all these, I indeed felt better. I felt more accomplished and very organized after a very long time of not holding a pen and planner (and not to mention thinking!) . So like a professional event coordinator, I laid down all the plans, lists and schedules to my Manager/Boss (hahaah! no other than my dear husband). He was nodding and was just saying yes, yes, and yes! to all the lists and plans. Hmmm..I should have added my Christmas wish list too. But surprisingly after all Christmas plans and lists are settled and finalized, he asked me what are my top 3 Christmas wish list? "Wow, so you're going to give me all 3 gifts for Christmas?", I jokingly asked. I already know what our Christmas budget is like so, even if he will say yes to all my top 3 wish list, I would still insist on 1 gift...hahaha! that's me, I'm the very practical (a.k.a thrifty) wife. Anyway, I told him of my wish list and of course wish no. 1 is granted...hahaha!! Sorry, I can't tell what that my No. 1 wish is. Secret!

So anyway, back to our Christmas plans. For our gift giving to our friends here, I still stick to giving homemade edible stuffs just like what I've been doing for the past 2 years. It saves time and energy cracking our heads what to give to this friend, whether he/she will like it or not, whether he/she will use it not and etc. Just as what Flylady advices, give gifts that are clutter-free, so the edible stuffs fall in that category. Two years ago, I made some homemade cookies, packaged it nicely and gave to neighbors and friends. Last year, I made some brownies. And maybe this year, I'll stick to brownies since I've had friends who really loved it and even requested me to give them more! hehehe! For our Christmas Eve plan, we're going to have a Filipino Noche Buena even if I'll be the only Filipino around in the family (oh, I have a cousin here so that makes two of us). Our theme color will be Green/Red so everyone must wear that color. We'll be exchanging gifts too!yehey!

Haaay, writing about this now just made me reminisce of our Christmases with my family in the Philippines. I find our Christmases really special and memorable (Senti time...huhuhuh!) In our family, we usually have a theme for our Christmas party and once there was a time that our theme was Formal Dinner. So all of the ladies (including our guests) wore evening gowns with make up and the guys wore Barong Tagalog or suit. Then we turned off all the lights and had candle light dinner. We were all laughing and teasing how each one looked. Some wore their prom dress, wedding gowns and Wedding Barong..hhahhaha! You could just imagine that our neighbors must be wondering why everyone who goes into our small house wear gown and barong tagalog. That was really memorable and fun! Not to mention I also had a blooper that time but it's too embarrassing for me to write. If my sister is reading this, I'm sure she'll burst out laughing coz she'll remember what that was.

Anyways, before I recall and write all my past Christmases, I have to stop now and start doing what I'm supposed to do...what am i supposed to do now? let me check my planner first..hehehe! (feeling organized lang na) ..but wait, it's already 1:30 am so, I better sleep first and continue with the card writing tomorrow. Good nyt!