Trying to catch the spirit

I'm not spending my days crying; I'm not even particularly depressed, but I am apathetic about the holidays.

I always finished my shopping before Thanksgiving because I don't like crowds and I'm not really into the commercialism of the holidays. I always addressed my Christmas cards by Dec. 1 and had them in the mail by the 7th.

Not this year.

I've procrastinated and now I'm getting caught up in the worst part of Christmas. I hate to feel rushed, but here I am, forcing myself to address a few cards a day and stopping in at Target on my way home from work. I absolutely refuse to go to the mall between Thanksgiving and New Year's.

I've scaled way back this year. I'm not using any credit cards because I won't go into debt buying things people don't need -- or even want.

I've made a ton of hats and scarves, little purses that are the perfect size for makeup ot jewelry, potholders and dishcloths, jewelry and jams and jellies. Most people will get these things. Crocheting, quilting and making jewelry are therapeutic for me these days. It's hard to just sit.

Maybe next year will be easier.