My idiot sister can vouch for that.

I'm kind of in fake-it-til-you-make-it mode at this point.

I was in denial last week. This morning the wheels fell off. I am hoping to get to the same point you're at by this afternoon.

Burrell, I also wonder about forgoeing things that are a hassle for you, and not appreciated by others?

But everything is a hassle! I'm not sitting here Grinchly resenting the "need" to put up lights outside the house or something like that. I'm balking at the bare minimum basics, like a tree and presents and housecleaning before the guests come and making festive food to eat on the day of. By all rights, what kind of attention-seeking baby must I be to want someone to say "hey, you put up a tree! Go you!" or "Bought presents? Hey, that's a great idea!"

My kids are doing the Chile cheer: Chi-Chi-Chi! Le-Le-Le! Chile!!

By all rights, what kind of attention-seeking baby must I be to want someone to say "hey, you put up a tree! Go you!" or "Bought presents? Hey, that's a great idea!"

Um, not at all. Especially as part of a family! These should be team activities, in my view.

Not an attention-seeking baby, Burrell. Not at all. It's hard, especially when you realize some stuff -- that family expects -- wouldn't get done unless you do it.

My sis and I have actually announced a stocking strike this year since somehow we're the only ones who ever do anything about those.

Totally not attention seeking. Amy said it perfectly - it's hard when you realize it's up to you or it doesn't get done.

ION - I cancelled the Daisy field trip. I do not like being an adult.

These should be team activities, in my view.

Especially tree-trimming. I realize a good part of my resistance to a big tree is that there are no people to help trim it. If I decide to get a tree next year, I might have to do a cocktail party thingy for that.

We did an impromptu tree-trimming at ND and Kristin's a few years ago. It was a total blast. I am all for cocktail party trre trimming.