When I was a kid Christmas night was the worst. It meant the joy that was Christmas was over and there were 364 more days until the magic happened again. Now that I’m grown, don’t get presents like I used to when I was a kid, don’t believe in Santa Claus anymore and do have 4 children to buy presents for on a limited income - Christmas night has become somewhat of a relief.

But then there is the return of the stress 3 days later when my family is coming over for the second Christmas celebration. My parents, my dad’s sister, my brother, his wife, his son, my stepdaughter, her son, her boyfriend and the 6 of us all enjoy presents and a buffet of delicious food that my husband has prepared.

One small detail - I haven’t bought presents for most of them yet. And they are going to be here tomorrow. I went over budget on the kids just a wee bit this year, ran out of money and didn’t get paid again until this morning (I don’t know what I’d do without direct deposit). So I will be heading off shortly to hit the mall and the after-Christmas sales to buy more stuff to go under the tree. Then I have to come home clean the house, wrap the presents and help prep what I can for food for tomorrow.

Oh, and in my infinite wisdom, I scheduled a complete physical for myself with my doctor this afternoon. The afternoon before my house is going to be invaded for Round 2 of holiday festivities. *sigh* What was I thinking? I know, I know - just like my mother used to say when I was younger

“Obviously you weren’t thinking, were you?”

But rescheduling is out of the question. It takes forever to get in to see her. And it’s been four years since I have had a certain female-specific exam done - I can’t really afford to put it off any longer.

So wish me luck that I actually get everything done. And get some sleep tonight too.