We’re five days away from Christmas, and I’m over here wondering how I’m going to survive the next 120 hours. This week was an emotional rollercoaster of last-minute shopping, wrapping paper mayhem, and trying to avoid the urge to eat everything I baked. Let’s catch up on the festive chaos and see how I’m managing the countdown to Christmas.

This Week in the wilderness

Honestly, it feels like Christmas snuck up on me like a ninja in the night. This week has been a whirlwind of last-minute shopping, which is basically a high-stakes game of “how many people can I bump into while carrying three bags and trying not to spill my coffee?” I found myself at the mall, doing the awkward shuffle-dance to avoid the throngs of people who clearly also left their shopping until the last minute. The best part? I thought I’d be clever by ordering gifts online only to have a box arrive with someone else’s name on it. So, now I’m stuck with a “World’s Best Grandpa” mug, and I have zero grandpas to gift it to. Maybe I’ll just embrace my inner “world’s best” self and keep it for myself. It’s practically a trophy at this point!

Then there’s the wrapping paper situation. I had visions of beautifully wrapped gifts that would rival Pinterest boards, but instead, I’ve created what can only be described as a disaster zone. Imagine tape stuck to my fingers, wrapping paper that mysteriously seems to have shrunk in size, and a ribbon that somehow turned into an elaborate origami sculpture that defies the laws of physics. I even had to pull out a roll of Christmas-themed duct tape because, let’s be honest, sometimes you just have to improvise. At this point, I’m pretty sure my family will be more impressed with my wrapping “art” than the gifts themselves. Who knew that survival mode could turn me into a holiday MacGyver? Here’s hoping the next five days bring a bit more organization—or at least fewer surprises in the gift department!

Life at Shady Pines free range seniors

Ma and Uncle R went into full gift-wrapping mode this week, and let me tell you, it was an event. Uncle R decided he was going to use newspaper instead of wrapping paper because it’s ‘economical.’ Meanwhile, Ma used so much tape on her gifts that you’d need a jackhammer to get them open. One of the gifts looks like a lopsided football, but neither of them can remember who it’s for, so it’s a surprise for all of us!

Hot Flashes & More the joys of midlife

At this age in my life you would think that Christmas would get easier not harder. I don’t know if it is the fact that we start Christmas stuff in May or what but I am pretty much over it. I am tired, frustrated, and at this point hate all people. If I have to go to one more store (I need to go to three) I may cry. I miss when I didn’t have to lift a finger and the holiday was perfect.

What’s Cooking for dinner tonight

I started meal planning to help me in the grocery store a little more. WE shop monthly and well lets be honest sometimes I don’t buy enough of something or I buy too much of something else. So, I thought I would share what our dinner plans are for next week and see what you think.

1. Monday: Mushroom and Barley Soup with Sourdough Bread
2. Tuesday: Chicken and Dumplings
3. Wednesday: Sausage and White Bean Cassoulet
4. Thursday (Christmas Eve): Honey-Glazed Ham, Creamed Spinach, Roasted Carrots, and Scalloped Potatoes, Gingerbread Cake
5. Friday (Christmas Day): Prime Rib with Au Jus,Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Asparagus, and Yorkshire Pudding. Buche de Noel (Yule Log)
6. Saturday: Left Overs from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
7. Sunday (Family Style): Finish out the left overs

A Moment of peace and quiet

I thought I take the time to share three things that you can do or read for a little self care, a moment of peace and quiet or more.

• Spend 15 minutes with your feet up and simply breathe.
• Read a calming article or devotional.
• Light a candle and enjoy a few Maents of silence.

Storied Conversation a little book chat

Did you know I write more than one blog? Well I do and here are a few highlights from Storied Conversation. Please note that clicking any of the links below will take you away from Rita Reviews. I just wanted to let you know but please click away and give these blogs some love as well. You never know what you may find.

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