Priorities

The holidays have always been a busy time of year for everyone. But, for me, this year tops them all! My mother sold her house in October and, less than two weeks ago, she and I both moved from the house into apartments across the hall from one another. After living in the house for twenty-three years, she had a ton of stuff. We went through as much of it as possible before the move but it took actually moving for her to realize that a lot more of it has to go. So, that's where I'm at right now. Unpacking boxes and trying to get some organization into her life. Not an easy task!

Which brings me to the topic of this week's post: priorities. First, let me say that I've always been a planner (and a plotter in my writing) and I'm pretty good at scheduling and setting priorities. This move has tested those abilities. I've had to decide what things MUST be done and what things can wait. Mom is my #1 priority but I've had to be careful not to put my own needs aside. Physically, mentally and emotionally this has been a stressful time - for both of us. But, she's eighty-six years old and all of this change is difficult for her. I'm doing all I can to make things easier.

One thing I decided is that I won't put my Christmas tree up this year. It's a seven foot blue spruce and I love it but it takes a few hours to string the lights and arrange the ornaments, hours and energy I can't spare right now. I've put out some other decorations, including my music boxes, but the tree will stay in the box. This weekend, I plan to put Mom's tree up because that's very important to her. It's a tabletop tree and doesn't take a fraction of the time mine does. I can't wait to see the smile on her face when it lights up!

So, if you're feeling stressed this holiday season, think of me surrounded by boxes and trying to create order out of chaos. I hope that makes you smile or even laugh - because that's what I'm doing. And if you're in the mood for a Christmas mystery, check out Unfinished Business. Our stress is nothing compared to what my main character, Ann, is going through.

Happy Holidays!