I finally got into some of the Christmas spirit this weekend. Normally I get very excited as soon as December 1 hits. This year it’s taking me longer, I’m just not feeling it.

I can’t believe Christmas is just over two weeks away. We are hosting my family for Christmas dinner this year. We’ll have about 20 people here. I need to decorate the house. I also need to declutter about 24 years of stuff to prepare for the renovation in January. My husband is doing the majority of the booking, planning and sourcing for the renovation, but I am stressing about all that has to be done with our “stuff” to empty the rooms for the reno.

We are renovating 4 rooms. Getting rid of popcorn ceilings, adding new lighting, new paint, new fireplace and replacing wood floors. I had a meltdown about the floors – my husband is very particular about this stuff. I don’t care as long as it is decent looking and hardy enough, I don’t want to spend a mint. Anything is better than the parquet we currently have. It’s just floor and we’ve lived here for 24 years – I doubt we or our kids, will be living here for another 24. I’m pragmatic. Four rooms of floor is a lot of wood which is not cheap these days.

I don’t think the meltdown was about the floor though. It hit me this weekend that in less than a month, my baby boy will be literally flying away, leaving the nest. He is starting a new life over 2500 miles away. I’m proud and happy for him, but I’m a tiny bit heartbroken at the same time. It’s a happy/sad milestone for me as a mother.

He was downtown this weekend but came home mid-Sunday afternoon while I was out getting groceries. He asked if I could pick up some coconut milk for a snack he was making. While I was out, I picked out some greenery to make holiday planters for our entrance. He called me and texted a few times when I took too long. My phone did not vibrate (I hate notifications). I guess since I was only a 5 minute drive away, not showing up over an hour later was a bit concerning!

The planters are done – cost me only $28 for both! Seeing as the Costco planters are about $40 a piece I’d say this was not a bad effort. Sometimes keeping stuff year over year, is a good thing (yes I am a packrat, hence the stress – see above – about decluttering!)

“The planters look great mom! When you come in, I can’t wait for you to try the ramen with the chili crisp coconut Thai sauce that I made”

Yeah, that’s what I’m going to miss.