Friday, December 18, 2009

Holiday Perfection Disorder

~My Family's 7-Layer cookies~



My husband came home last night with the bad news. I knew something was wrong as soon as he walked in. The trees were lit, the wine chilled, trays of Elf Food on the counter ready to be bagged- tied with beautiful ribbon.


Next I was going to start the 7-Layer cookies. I've been making these for years. It's all in the almond paste and the rich semi-sweet dark chocolate.


~*~
I had started the day with an early morning run to Portland. I had to pick up a pewter cup that we had engraved and while I was there I thought I would look for boots and a few last minute gifts.






What was suppose to be a quick trip to Portland ended up a full day of shopping and poking around. I stopped at my son's office and grabbed him for lunch then it was more shopping.

~*~

By the time I arrived back home late in the afternoon, I was beat. Ready for my wine and wishing for someone to prepare something, anything for dinner.

But that where this little tale began. Instead of pouring a glass of wine or starting dinner... I made my third batch of Elf Food. That's when the DH walked in and gave me the bad news...

He had been talking to people. He'd heard about this condition on the radio, on t.v. and in the papers. He kept it to himself for as long as he could, endured the pain of it and tried to come to a place of comfort before he would break the news.

*

*

*

*

*

I was suffering from...

H. P. D.

Holiday * Perfection * Disorder

Here are a few of the symptoms:

Cleaning the house with wild abandon.

Polishing anything that can be polished-copper, pewter, silver.

Cleaning out the cupboards, drawers and closets.

Taking far too long in choosing the most beautiful wrapping paper.

Taking far too long in choosing the most beautiful ribbons.

Decorating and redecorating the Christmas trees.

Tucking fresh boxwood everywhere.

Lighting candles constantly.

Baking too many goodies.

Getting too little sleep.

Playing holiday music all day.

Wanting a fire every night.

And that's just a few of the symptoms...


The holidays come once a year and yes...I do like to make it all special for my family.

Do you too suffer from

H. P. D. ?

Please tell me~

Next year I will simplify.



But for now... I have to go make a batch of spiced nuts.




Images~ Epicurious and Country Living

10 comments:

  1. Debra heehee sorry your suffering from perfection! I hear the only cure is wine and new boots! Take a breath and relax....! Have a wonderful weekend.

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  2. I don't have it. I started doing things in early December so I am ahead of the impending calendar. Yesterday, when Allen came home, I was sitting by the fire w/Nat King Cole on the DVD, and thumbing through all my Christmas books. It's nice that they're out, but more importantly that someone reads through them.

    You don't have to do everything. Your family will love whatever it is you've done, and most of all - they love you for you, and not the polished silver.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Unfortunately for me it strikes late in the season and then I am insanely trying to fit everything in before I realize it is an impossible undertaking. Haha. Those 7-layer cookies look AMAZING !!!! And I am sure they taste yummy -- almond paste --- heavenly!
    ~ Michelle

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  4. In the past I had H.P.D. After the last couple of years, things took on a different meaning to me and I have simplify, so I can enjoy the season and the meaning.

    I like how you did take time to buy a pair of boots and having lunch with your son.

    Have a golden weekend! xo

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  5. I don't have it but kind of wish I did. I haven't really done anything and am feeling un-festive because of it. Perhaps there is balance :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I read an editorial by Garrison Keillor about Thanksgiving that put this holiday season into perspective. I distill it as follows: It's a day, we gather together, it's a meal, we are healthy, all is well, it's enough.

    Voila! It was an AHA! moment. Simple, stress free. This year I scaled WAY WAY down and I LOVE it. The season will roar out of here like it roared in, then we will all be on a diet!! Smiling xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  7. Take a glass of wine with two cookies and call me in the morning.

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  8. I think it is contagious, I feel it too!

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  9. I surely hope he helped with some treatment by rubbing your feet and keeping your glass filled! :)

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  10. LOL!
    I'm very impressed with the 7-layer treat, what is it exactly?

    Check out the pics of my sister's wedding in Paris, I just posted them on my blog...

    ReplyDelete

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