Sigh...

I just wanted to breathe a sigh of relief that Christmas is over.  At least in terms of my job.  Otherwise, I want it to come again soon. :)

StReSsEd OuT

Maybe I'm wrong, but isn't Christmas supposed to be a time of happiness and goodwill towards men and women?  A time of joy and laughter and relaxation, especially for students whose brains have just been fried by final projects and exams?  Well, I have to say that this is probably the first year that I haven't been in the Christmas spirit.  What with all the stress that comes from being a student, working 40+ hours a week and teaching in RS, I just really wanted to feel all Christmasy.  You know--that peaceful feeling that comes when you look outside at falling snow, or walking around Temple Square looking at the lights?  That's what I want.  And I sure don't feel it. 

I know that part of this, well, most of this, is because of my position at work as a supervisor.  I'm the one who gets to take the angry calls of people who are "disappointed in our company" and want to know what we are going to do to make it up to them.  For heavens sake people!  Christmas is not the only time during the year to give gifts and tell people you care about them!  If your book doesn't get there until the day after Christmas, is your Christmas really going to be ruined?  If so, that is a pretty pathetic and totally skewed outlook on what Christmas is all about.  I want to reach through the phone and strangle these people for making my life, at that moment, just as miserable as theirs is.  I cannot control how long it takes the post office to deliver your Christmas cards!  I cannot make you understand that you have to order your projects more than a week before Christmas if you want them in time for Christmas!  But no.  I get to talk to the people who think that by telling you that you ruined their Christmas that it will help their package get there sooner.  Seriously?  Can't we just be nice to each other?  Can't we get it in our heads that we need to have the Christmas spirit all year long and not just one month a year?  I honestly think that if there was one single message that I can teach my children about Christmas, it is that we should treat people kind all year long and not just when we want something.  I know that sounds kind of cheesy, but it's true!  I just want people to have sympathy and be kind to each other and then, our world really would be a better place.

Christmas Crafts

This year, I decided to be crafty.  Literally.  It all started when my sister-in-law, Shannon, and I wanted to start a monthly craft night with the Ogden sisters and sisters-in-law using my lovely Cricut machine.  This sprung me into doing a bunch of other crafts to decorate my apartment with, as well as making some of my Christmas gifts for people.  Here are some of the things I have done so far:

This is hanging above our front door. (And yes, I know mistletoe is really one word.)

I had to modge podge every letter on this plaque.  Yes, it took forever.

I know that this is normally a decoration you might see more around Christmas time, but I wanted to make this a decoration I could have around my house all year long.

 

These are some coasters I made out of travertine tiles and rub-ons.

And here are some more. :)