Yes I have a book by that title, and no this blog is not about that book, although the two do share a similar theme. This blog is about the fact that, although Christmas is a magical time of year, no matter how hard I try, it seems that a year doesn’t go by where a little crazy doesn’t get mixed in with the magic. The problem isn’t Christmas, I’m afraid the problem is me. I have a tendency to overdo things, which usually seem like a good idea at the time, but then I end up totally overwhelmed when I run out of month and still have tasks to complete.
For example, pictured below is my village. The year I took the photos I had it set up on tables around the living area of the house, but some years I put it all in one location under the tree. Do you have any idea how long it takes to set this all up? Let’s just say I could build a real house in less time. Do I enjoy the village once it is set up? Sure. Does it end up adding a little crazy to my Christmas? Most definitely.
Which brings me to the tree. Again, we tend to make a production out of getting a tree. In spite of the fact that we live in the forest we still drive two hours to where the ‘good’ trees are, hike around for hours to find the perfect one, cut it down, haul it home, and decorate the fifteen foot monstrosity. Do I have fond memories of these trips into the woods? Absolutely. Does it add to the crazy? How could it not?
Add to that the shopping, wrapping, baking, and holiday parties and events, and you have a mental meltdown in the making. Today is December 1st. I have decided that this year I will cut back and try to keep the crazy out of Christmas. Will I succeed? Your guess is as good as mine. I do tend to be just a teeny bit of an overachiever (okay I’m a big ol’ type A.) Still I know that I don’t really have to make 20 different kinds of cookies so that everyone I ever met can have their favorite, and I don’t really have to buy everyone in the family the perfect gift, and I don’t really have to attend every holiday party or event I am invited to. But knowing and doing aren’t always the same thing. I am however off to a good start. Thanks mostly to some tight deadlines, I have only set up a fraction of my village and the tree is from the forest next to my house and not the next state. So stay tuned and see how I do.
Giveaway: comment below and be entered to win a Kindle or Paperback copy of Santa Sleuth and Christmas Crazy (Non US Kindle only.) I will choose a winner on Saturday 12/5.
Random Thoughts and Meaningless Musings 
I work in retail, and crazy is all I know, LOL. After putting Christmas up for 5 hours at work, I’m usually not in the mood when I get home. I was so depressed about it last year. This year hubby is determined it will go better. After I go to bed (I go to bed early since I get up super early) he would get something ready so when I got home I wouldn’t be overwhelmed. So far I am much calmer than last year.
What a great hubby.
I got a good one, very supportive when health fights me and jumps in and takes up the slack. The man likes to bake too, he’s been known to go crazy and turn my house into a bakery. LOL
We all need to take some of the crazy out of Christmas!!
Agreed.
I commented on the Whodunit site, yet just wanted to thank you again for all the wonderful things you do for your readers during the holidays and throughout the year. I think it’s impossible to go through the Christmas Season without a little crazy, be sure and breathe often.🎄
Thank you MaryAnn.
We have, for the most part, taken the crazy out of Christmas based on family circumstances and needs. We will have a wreath on the front door and a small, tree with lights and small ornaments, stockings for our dogs. Other then those decorations we plan to have a quiet Christmas as a family and hope for a phone call from our son. So very simple and relaxing. Atypical, but ideal for us.
Merry Christmas Joanne.
The christmas village is beautiful. My family travels to many places to really do a lot of decorating at home. It gets very hectic with all the places to go.
Yeah if I was traveling I’m not sure I’d do as much.
Crazy at Christmas time for us has been relative to each year – this year it will be simply sending out Christmas cards. My oldest stepdaughter hosts the family Christmas Eve, which is a real blessing – she has a home large enough to accommodate children and adults, and has practiced the “family” recipes to perfection. Especially this year, it is a huge relief that she is in charge!
That sounds perfect.
I love your village. When my daughter was little I used to over do decorating. My daughter still loves to decorate for Christmas but we keep it to a minimum overall(she goes a little crazy in her room and her car). I now work for a shipping company and as you can imagine there is a lot of “crazy” in my Christmas. I read a lot to relax so, I love to win a copy of both your books.
Thank you Kim.
Would love to read either of this books!!!
Good luck!
Would love to read one of this books. Thank you for the opportunity to win one!!!
Would love to win and regiftbto my sister
I would love to read these. 🙂
Hope you can get a handle on things and reduce the crazies.
Thank you Ann.
Your Christmas village is beautiful and not to mention, huge! It reminds me of my mom when she was here. It’s alot of work, but so worth it.
It can be fun Jill.
your Christmas village is so beautiful.Im sure it took a lot of time to set it up,but when you have the chance to actually look at it when its done,you will so know it was worth it..would love to win a paperback copy of any of your books..thank you
Thank you Rose.
Each year I feel more overwhelmed at Christmas time. This year, I did most of the shopping early in September and August. I limit the amount of Christmas parties and events I attend. This year I will be baking more cookies than usual, six dozen for a cookie swap. Love your Christmas village, it looks so magical.
I haven’t even started my shopping. Next week for sure.
I love the village.
This Christmas has a first for us in that we will be celebrating with our first grandchild. Although Bowen will only be a little over four months my Christmas crazy this year is on his presents. Can’t imagine what it will ne likewhen he is old enough enjoy.
Congrats on the new grandbaby!
I love your “Christmas Crazy”!!
Thank you Judy.
The winner of the Christmas books is Brandy Barber. Please email me at kathidaley@kathidaley.com to collect your gift.
I love your Christmas Village. I wish I had one but that will come with time. I have a more laid back style to Christmas!! I decorate but do not go overboard with it. I also don’t work so I have more time but I’m also a procrastinator. I always manage to enjoy Christmas since it is my favorite hoilday!! Hope you have a Very Merry Christmas even if it’s a little crazy!!
Yes, it’s a little crazy, but you would miss it if you didn’t do those things.