Saturday, December 11, 2010

Quiet time






It's a good thing I'm done with all of my gift shopping because I had a small meltdown at the mall yesterday. It happens at least once every holiday season (but usually more).

The stress, the crowds, the running around, the exhaustion. I end up snapping at some poor sales clerk who is probably more frazzled than I am. I apologized to the young woman at LensCrafters who triggered my tantrum yesterday and drove straight home for some much needed quiet time.



Today I'm trying to take it easy. It's relaxing just sitting in the living room with the sliding glass door open, listening to the distinct sound of the hummingbirds in the Eucalyptus trees. They make frequent visits to the feeder I put up a couple weeks ago-- this picture was taken a few minutes ago.

But there remains a gnawing inside of me that wants to go out and run around some more, to spend, spend, spend because the dozens of gifts I already purchased couldn't possibly be good enough.

I'm not going to succumb. Instead I'm going to do the three things that I know will calm me down so I can make wise choices (including acting like a grown up when I have to wait too long in line):



1. Go out for a leisurely lunch.

2. Take a long walk.

3. Get in bed, snuggle up with my two cats, and read a good book.

Have a good weekend, and may you be meltdown-free.


11 comments:

Rachel said...

I feel your stress! I abhor shopping, especially at Christmas. This year I did three things to help me get my shopping done with a minimum of stress: I made some of my gifts, I bought some gifts online, and I bought the rest in small doses. Rather than going "Christmas Shopping" for the day, I popped in to the mall right after work a few times over the past couple of weeks. At 3:30 pm on a Monday or Tuesday, it's not usually too busy.

Saturdays? They're made for nesting - staying home to read, sew, knit, watch movies, visit friends, or snuggle with the furry monsters.

Hope the rest of your weekend is more relaxing! xo

Theresa said...

Bless your little heart! I hope you have a stress-free day today my friend! The Holidays do that to us sometimes! Enjoy your day, hugs!

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Hi Stacy,
That sounds like a great plan!
You should see the SNOW Here!! It's crazy! No going out today for me. I'm staying home and catching up on blogs and still working on my Christmas cards. I sent out the ATC on Friday!
Relax!!!
Warmly,
deb :)

Tracey ~ Clover said...

Oh, shopping-Blah! I try to avoid all stores on the weekends. I hope you had a wonderful lunch and enjoyed a great book. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Suz said...

oh dear...Christmas bah humbug
take it easy and rest..yes take a walk....look for beauty and joy
that will cure you
presents are just stuff
it's the being together that counts
love your little ward outside your window...

ImplausibleYarn said...

I know exactly what you mean! I have so many presents for people I don't really know when to say enough is enough!I also unfortunately forget sometimes when I buy things online... to be surprised when things show up at the post office.

Caffeine Girl said...

I totally sympathize. I try to have all my shopping done by Thanksgiving. As a teacher, the only times I can go shopping are busy times.

I hope your relaxation plan worked. It sounds perfect to me (but maybe with a bit of knitting thrown in).

Maiden Jane said...

I'm so sorry! I can relate, however. It's a shame that a season centered around love and giving cal lead to such stress. You did the right thing and how wonderful to watch those little birds! My husband and I shopped together last Friday but I said I felt like a prostitute to commercialism when I returned. Sigh...

PunkiePie (Jen) said...

Relax and take a breath. I do what Rachel does. If I HAVE to go to the mall, I hit it during the week after work. Other than that, I do a little shopping here and there. Store and online. Makes it much easier.

Kathi said...

relax and remember that all those gifts go by the wayside and all that matters is spending time with people you care about.
I don't shop...I give my kids things they need/want right now...books, Weight Watchers every month, new jeans and Zumba classes.
AND we spend more time pleasantly in each others company!

Dogwood said...

Sorry about the stress but so proud that you know how to slow down and do what gives you pleasure!

Nice photos.

See you soon. Hugs...