The Hurrier I Go, The Behinder I Get!

Holy cow! Christmas is about here and I am not ready. I still have shopping to do and presents to wrap. Things aren't going the way they usually do.  The surgery I was supposed to have in early fall got moved again and again thanks to Medicare Nightmare! So having surgery two weeks before Christmas has set me back both physically and mentally.  Up until today, 11 days post surgery, all I have really wanted to do is sit, crochet or read or watch TV.  I need more motivation than just thinking about it.
This year will be somewhat different.  Since my wife passed, my daughter has always taken charge of the Christmas prep work. While she lived here with me, she would bake and cook all the goodies for Christmas Day family gathering.  She also helped me wrap those last minute gifts. She left the decorating of the domicile to me. Then she moved two hours away. Zounds!! Though I wished her every happiness in the BIG city, and with her love life, I miss having her around to take up the slack around here for the holidays.  So, last week she informed me that because she is new at her place of employment, and that her own clients are stores and businesses that remain open until at least 6 o'clock on Christmas Eve, she and her family will not be coming until late Christmas Eve. So I guess I will be cooking and baking for Christmas Day, or the family will either not eat, or will bring treats! I have never made the famous Sour Creme Coffee Cake or the different brunch casseroles that are the family tradition.  Guess I can learn, but right now I am feeling overwhelmed.
I do have the domicile decorated. Only four trees this year instead of the regular 9 that we have had in the past.  Call me Scrooge!  I decided to just scale down a bit. Ha!
So all this being said, I have a shopping trip planned with my best buddy, Curley, and hopefully I can finish up those pesky last minute things. Wrapping is going to be gift bags from the Dollar Tree.Except for the little ones who love to tear into gifts. Those I will wrap with care, knowing full well that St. Nicolas will soon be here!
The food?  Well, I could whine and whine to my son, daughter-in-law, daughter and my "sin"-in-law(daughter's live in, both been married and are gun shy when the word "marriage" is mentioned) and suggest strongly that we have a carry in brunch and I will furnish tableware, table and chairs for all! Sounds good to me.  After all, I just had a "bolt" embedded into my skull!  Give me a break!!
Until Next time,
Peace,
JE