Perhaps, it is time

—because that time of the year has begun!—to talk about sanity during the holiday season.

I was doing okay until Handsome informed me we were holding the foundation party and then my head exploded.

You might be hosting several parties back to back and the idea of saying “no” never entered your mind. Yah, that’s me this year. I have two mahjong parties, one book club dinner, and the foundation open house to do. I’m going out of town with girlfriends, and Handsome’s brothers and sister in laws are hanging out one day.

So what to do?

I started cleaning now because, you know, my house isn’t deep cleaned. Just nicely cleaned. So far, I steam cleaned the bathroom tile and had the rug cleaner company pretty-up the family room rug. My sister is popping by soon, and I went ahead and wrapped a bunch of stuff which was taking up floor space in my office.

I also found my paper organizer and planned my food for the foundation party. I decided to order more of that food which will cover two parties. For the family day, we’ll order in. And for the book club event, I’ll make my sister’s turkey sandwiches (cranberry, turkey, cheese, hot—does it get any better?)

Did I mention I’ve almost finished shopping??

I think this weekend I’ll make two cheese balls. That’s yummy. And the minute I see my favorite fruitcake, I’m making chocolate covered treats. (Try it! You’ll like it!)

I refuse to let myself go crazy. None of the events are do or die. Everything will be fine in the end. Plus, my house will be decorated and clean. And then, wrap-a-thon will begin.

Do you do special cleaning or food preparing for parties? Are you hosting any events this year?

Two fabulous holiday short stories collections for you!

Hopes and wishes and holiday kisses…Sommerville holidays.

Holiday Disaster:Days before Christmas, a librarian experiences plumbing issues and visits from Mr. Maintenance Man who isn’t nearly as jolly as Santa Claus.

The Littlest Angel: Two people. One ornament for the tree. Can a twosome find common ground and discover the true meaning of Christmas?

Holiday Handbag Extravaganza: Christmas Countdown is on! A hunk-a-licious customer pesters a boutique owner to locate a vintage handbag for his mother. Too bad the wedge between them is his sister, the meanest girl in town.

The Great Fruitcake Bake-off: When a five-time baking champion teams up with her new neighbor for The Great Fruitcake Bake-off, they discover baking a prize-winning entry is complicated, bad guys are plotting to take the crown, and first prize isn’t just about a ribbon.

Christmas Romeo: When two feuding co-workers win Christmas river cruises at the company holiday party, they discover each other isn’t so bad after all.

Twinkle Lights: When the owner of a Christmas tree stand has a heart attack, a do-gooder and a reformed high school delinquent turned lawyer meet the challenges of running the establishment; yet, when revenue goes missing, fingers are pointed.