A week to go

No panic about that unfinished stocking - that's going to be my holiday project - something to work on in the days after the presents have been distributed and the big dinner has been consumed. I have a whole fortnight off from work this year, and I'm looking forward to some serious relaxation. Time to light a fire and some candles and curl up under a quilt with my embroidery and a good movie or five... I think I might have convinced my family that DVDs are a good idea for presents for me this year. If the hints haven't been picked up on, I still have a whole box of Sex and the City and several films that I wont mind seeing again, so there should be plenty of quality stitching time.
The presents are ready, and it's time to settle down from all the pre-holiday stress to enjoy some baking sessions and invite friends around for tea and cookies. Previous Christmases have been so full of stress that I have felt completely frazzled by Christmas Eve, so the last couple of years I have made an effort to slow down and enjoy the preparations.

So what if everything isn't perfect - the most important thing should be to spend time with your loved ones and take a step back and enjoy, don't you agree?
The gingerbread cookies are delicious and I have several boxes full, so I'm ready. Let's put the kettle on, shall we?