Thursday, December 15, 2011

Christmas markets, German treats and washing machines



I'm back.
Have been back for a few days actually.
Have opened a new post a few times to then close it immediately because something else needed my immediate attention.



I am frazzled to say the least. I feel like I am stuck in a washing machine on the long cycle. I just keep turning and turning, faster and faster.

Swish. Swish.


Does that happen to you? Every year before the holidays I make a promise not to put myself through all this again next year, and invariably I do.

Swish. Swish.


This year, for the first time ever, I was feeling pretty good about myself. I had gotten most of my Christmast shopping done at the beginning of November. I know, can you believe it? Christmas cards were ordered by the end of November. OK, I'll admit it, I was almost gloating.

Swish. Swish.


I had finally conquered Christmas. I felt focused and prepared. Ok, so this was the first time I wasn't organizing a birthday party for my daughter right before the holidays, but that just made me feel more confident. Everything was good.

Swish. Swish.



Until about a week ago, when everything spiralled out of control. I think the days away were a part of it. First of all I realized two days before leaving that I had to send out my Christmas cards before the trip. Besides packing for three (my husband packs his own stuff - another reason why I love him) and getting last minute things for the Germans.



And then coming back to total chaos. Five precious days had passed. Work had accumulated.

Spin. Spin.


I thought everything was pretty much done. I mean Christmas shopping was done. The apartment was rented. Ski lessons were booked. Arrivals and departures planned.

But...

Spin. Spin.

...wrap presents order princess birthday cake work buy present for birthday party plan birthday menu for daughter laundry Christmas drinks work Christmas dinner book baby sitter daughter's Christmas party work son's christmas party work red and white outfit for son's party daughter's Christmas recital blue and red clothers for daughter's recital work buy and drop off fruit juice for son's party pick up family at airport laundry make beds for guests work book seats on bus find out train schedule plan Christmas menu pack bags for mountains work organize ski gear pack Christmas decorations enquire about school refectory strike work make pack lunch send application for daughter's winter camp confirm ski lessons work contact ski rental call rental apartment about coffee machine work laundry book restaurant in mountains pick up cake bring books to library buy Christmas card buy snow boots for daughter last minute order on Amazon food shopping pick up forms work cut boy's hair...


Spin. Spin.




I haven't been cooking lately. I won't even have time to bake my daughter's birthday cake because it is a week day. I think she is actually excited to order a cake with princess decoration from the baker's for once.



As I already mentioned, I am not even organizing her birthday party until the New Year. How did I do it these past years?
Next year I am starting in September, right after back-to-school is over.

Yeah, right.




Stollen




 



Schmaltz and Brezeln


Weisswurst, sweet mustard and Paulaner


11 comments:

  1. This year I just decided to embrace the crazy because I love it so much! It sounds like you had a great headstart and I am sure everything else you are planning will be wonderful! Merry Christmas! xx

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  2. Fiona, che piacere vedere finalmente con un po' di calma il tuo blog!
    Ma lo sai che lo trovo incantevole?!
    ieri รจ stato davvero piacevole conoscerti e scambiare 4 chiacchiere, ora che entrambe ci seguiamo sui rispettivi blog e twitter avremo modo di scambiarci molte idee!
    a presto!

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  3. Sounds like you've been super busy - I don't have kids yet and can't even begin to imagine how you cram it all in! But looks like you've been having a wonderful time too...these photos are absolutely gorgeous and completely transport me to the markets. There are few things more delicious than a slice of warm stollen eaten outside when you're wrapped up all warm :-)

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  4. You made me miss Germany a bit! Christmas markets were my favourites.

    This year I just decided to give up on Christmas - I can actually do that since I have no children. I was just too shellshocked from the move to think about anything else! But I'm trying to do some last minute cards for the family at least. And internet shopping is a blessing for sending presents abroad.

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  5. My dear, I'm afraid you've gotten yourself into a Christmas tizzy. Please take some time to just breath and relax. Do the things that really matter most to you. (Ie. cook!!)

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  6. Oh dear, do I ever know how you feel. Last weekend I felt like every waking minute was accounted for and I still didn't get anything done that I wanted to!

    Great photos-it reminds me so much of the Austrian Christmas markets!

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  7. This last couple of weeks have been a haze of nothing getting done and in 7 hours I'm leaving to Italy and my suitcases are still in the storage room....

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  8. Beautiful pictures, but sorry you've been feeling frazzled! I actually feel like I can finally catch my breath this holiday since I don't really do much celebration and Christmas traditions. I hope things calm down for you! Seeing this photos, it seems you are really busy, but also busy making some wonderful memories. :-)

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  9. I am not crazy about the holidays, too much pressure. This year I have to contend with the extra pressure of having even more relatives around and having to dole out gifts to people I only see once a year, if that.

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  10. Yeah, reading around it looks like everyone is caught up in a bit of a frenzy...let's just sit back and breath a little.

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  11. Very efficiently written story. It will be valuable to anyone who utilizes it, as well as yours truly :). Keep doing what you are doing – i will definitely read more posts. Hotel in frankfurt-Oder

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