Oh god what have I done?!

[MumToBe88]

So I'm sitting at home with bump freaking out about how much planning I've got left to do before christmas and then I suddenly realised that this time next year we'll be in Florida!! I'm going to have to start planning in April at this rate haha!

Has anyone ever had to do a christmas shopping rush on International Drive before or anywhere else in America? Is it a nightmare or am I a genius and it's a great time to get the best bargains lol (fingers crossed) even with a teeny baby in toe?

[cate]

Are you one of those people who micro-manage to the nth degree? Why are you thinking about next Christmas when you haven't even given birth yet? I bet you whip visitor's teacups away before they have even finished drinking from them so you can wash them up. Sounds like you really need to relax.

[felt-tip]

pot. kettle. black.

[BeccaL]

Can't you just get them all presents from Disney world? That and some surreptitious (?sp?) Amazon or equivalent beforehand should do it, shouldn't it? You will still have the "new baby" excuse as well!

[candj]

I did it every year before moving to the UK - and still do it here. You'll be fine. At least you'll have an easier time finding parking next year. ;-)

[sillywoman]

Don't get the question - do they not have shops where you're going in the states (next year & you're asking now - really? Have I got this wrong?)?

And for good measure :-S

[littleEDfamily]

I don't see what is stressful about Christmas (really, honestly, not being facetious). It's so easy with online shopping, and as long as you don't bog yourself down with silly pointless stuff like Christmas cards and buying pressies for every man and his dog, the planning (especially festive cocktails, which you WILL be able to have next year) is a joy.

That said, every time I have been to the US, I have lost weight due to being revolted by the food on offer, but, perhaps that's because I was a tourist and not in the know....

[newcomer]

Hi Mumtobe88, I'm guessing this is your first baby? If so, I totally sympathise with your concerns. ?EVERYTHING is suddenly more stressful when you're expecting isn't it? ?I also remember wanting to have planned as much as possible in advance - in an attempt to maintain just the slightest bit of control and normalcy! I imagine it feels especially overwhelming if you suddenly have to rethink a dream holiday because there's going to be an extra member to your family.?

But, Mumtobe88, some of the other posters do have a point in the sense that you are very early to be trying to organize next year's pressies, so try not to even think about it yet. You can always buy everything from Duty Free at the airport if you have to! ?Please don't even worry about this Christmas either - just concentrate on taking care of yourself during this pregnancy and try to keep stress to an absolute minimum by delegating or simply 'letting go' of the things you used to do. ?You have more important priorities now and your most important task is to cosset (Sp?) yourself. Oh, and to start taking folic acid (or, even better, Pregnacare) if you've not already done so!?

Many congrats on your pregnancy and I hope you have a lovely snuggly christmas with your partner- your last one before 2 become 3...?

[sillywoman]

Much nicer way to put it than my grumpy post Newcomer (sorry Mumtobe88, had just had run in on other thread & was very . . .well, grumpy when I posted on yours.) Ignore me - read lovely Newcomers reply instead. Much better & really what I should have said.

[GinaG3]

Amen, newcomer!

I've got Christmas all wrapped up. Now I get to relax for the few weeks everybody goes hectic. Ahh, summer Christmas shopping!

[MumToBe88]

Thanks so much for your lovely post newcomer. I have to say I was a bit lost for words when I read a few of the others but it's nice to have someone come along who understands that things are all a bit up in the air in my head at the moment and what with all the snow I'm thinking about silly things being stuck indoors. Don't worry sillywoman I completely understand, it was more cate's post that threw me!!

Anyway I'm just going to sit back and relax from now on. I've done a load of research and come across some really great blogs and websites etc in my hectic mode the other week so feel much more clued up now anyway. There's pretty much a zillion videos on YouTube telling you all you need to know anyway hehe!

Have a great christmas everyone and my posts will be much more relaxed from now on I promise or I fear bump will kick mummy's tummy in to shape!!

x