I cannot believe we are approaching the end of November. It’s insane. Didn’t the kids just go back to school? Usually by the end of November, I’m all prepared for Christmas, most of my shopping is done, the house is clean (HAHA-that’s a joke this year) the tree is in from the garage, and the decorations sitting on the floor waiting to be hung. But this year I have nothing ready. NOTHING! And now I’m starting to freak out. Sure I’ve been swamped with work. Just turned in Instinctive, as well as Holiday Spririt, a free Christmas read to Samhain. I’m currenly working on Dance of the Dragon, and still have to write one more novella before Christmas, but I’ve swamped before and still managed to get other things done.
Maybe I’m just not motivated to do those things. Maybe it’s time to go to the mall and see all the crazy shoppers, that sometimes helps. Last night we had snow and today the ground is covered. I think I’ll put on my boots, and take the dog out to play. That’s sure to put me in the spirit!
So are you prepared for the season? What do you do to put yourself in the Christmas spirit?
Cathryn Fox is an award winning author with having books on the best sellers list at both Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. 
Cathy, I never shop or get ready early for Christmas. Once Dec 1 hits, I start thinking about it. Now that my girls, neices and nephews are older it’s not the same as when they were little.
20 Nov 08 at 12:21 pm #I’m sorta prepared for Christmas. I’ve done a bit of shopping here and there. Made a few things for a few of my nieces but not much else. I don’t start decorating until the beginning of December so I’ve got a little time.
20 Nov 08 at 5:23 pm #I’m somewhat prepared for the season. It did sneak up on me a bit, though, because this is the first year since I was 5 that I’m not in school. Usually by now I already have my trip to Virginia to visit my aunt and cousin already planned – not this year. I’m still trying to figure out if I’ll make it back this year or not.
What I usually do that definitely gets me ready for Christmas is my family’s Christmas Open House the first weekend in December. Once we have that, I’m all ready for the holiday.
20 Nov 08 at 7:48 pm #I haven’t done anything to prepare yet–we do need to clear some space in the living room so that we can have a tree
Christmas music and reading a few Christmas stories usually helps get me in the mood!
20 Nov 08 at 8:19 pm #Anne, you’re right, it’s not the same now that the kids are older.
21 Nov 08 at 10:40 am #Brandy, I did a bit of shopping last night, and we had a huge snow storm so now I’m beginning to feel a little Christmasy!!
21 Nov 08 at 10:40 am #Hey Karin, yay on first time since no school!! I get a rash just thinking about going to school. LOL
21 Nov 08 at 10:41 am #Fedora, I think I’ll grab a couple of my old favorite Christmas stories and dig into them again!
21 Nov 08 at 10:42 am #My shopping is all done! I always start around the beginning of September so I can avoid the crowds.
21 Nov 08 at 1:35 pm #Most of my friends I’ve asked have not even started thinking/doing anything about Christmas. If fact, they cringe at the topic. I tend to leave my decorating till early/mid-December then I can really appreciate and enjoy the lights etc. As for the shopping, it’s the last-minute variety for me!
21 Nov 08 at 2:47 pm #