gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry christmas.

It's hard to believe that Christmas is less than a week away. By this point each year, I usually have the tree set up and decorated, the gifts wrapped, and just about every holiday movie and TV special watched. Not this year, though.

Things have been...hectic, to say the least. I am absolutely swamped with work right now. And I have been for the last year. Don't get me wrong - it's a good thing. In the past year, I have been able to write more than ever. Unfortunately, I am still juggling all of my freelance writing work with a full-time job. Normally, I just push through it. I keep my head down and I refuse to give up or admit defeat. Now that it is Christmastime, though, I feel like everything is weighing on me.  

I love Christmas. In my family, it is the biggest event of the year. For me, it's so much more than the presents under the tree. I love the build up to Christmas more than the actual day itself. I love curling up on the couch and watching movies together. I love listening to Christmas CDs with my Mom. I love decorating every inch of our home with festive odds and ends.

With so much on my plate right now, I feel like I haven't had time to truly enjoy the spirit of the season. The tree still isn't up and our Christmas movies are sitting unwatched. The reality is that I've been spending most of my time either at work or locked up in my room, typing away madly. It's just a little depressing, to be honest.

I am hoping that in the next couple of days, I can somehow get caught up. Because I am ready to spend time with my loved ones. I am ready for all of our beautiful holiday traditions. Basically, I am ready to celebrate! Here is hoping....

Are you ready for Christmas? How do you balance work and celebrating the holidays?

xo Shannon