Sandwich Week

I don't know about you, but the holidays can become very long, especially for the hosts and hostesses. There is lots to do to prepare, lots of people to entertain and keep happy, lots of clutter to control, and also lots of merriment all mixed into several days of too much great food, too many kind gifts, and too much input from visiting. Now, between Christmas and New Year’s Day, we have the Sandwich Week! I call it that because its the week between one major holiday and another. (Some might comment that is actually the week between two important holidays, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and two more major holidays, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.) There are still leftovers from last week to see to while at the same time you are gearing up for more holiday entertainment this upcoming weekend.

Knowing how things can go, here is a three-ingredient Sandwich Week plan to help you survive and thrive until schedules return to normal. (Remember, you are not going to get back to normal until a good week after the last of the company leaves, children return to school, and the normal work schedule begins again. It takes time to ease into the new year and its fresh demands.) So let’s set our Sandwich Week plan in place.

Mustard: What MUST I do this week to keep things together? It is likely that some chaos has ensued because of last weekend. You know what I mean: Christmas presents to be put away, leftovers to be used up, trash to depose of, the tidbits and the disorder to cope with and make decisions about. Using the Sandwich Week plan, this would best be a time to bring some semblance of order to the home, always starting at the front door, working through the living room and towards the kitchen, then the bathrooms and the bedrooms (in that order). Get as many of the MUSTs done as you can. Neat your home as much as you MUST, prepare for the upcoming New Year’s festivities, and keep on adding to a newly prepared list, Things to do once the holidays are over, which is often also called the January List.

Focus on getting the laundry begun, dried, and put away again. Keep the wastebaskets emptied in the kitchen. Tidy the bathroom sinks and counters. Just do what MUST be done.

Meat: How can I best MEET (well, it is almost a completely matching word) the needs of those around me? If there is more than can possibly be done, ask those important to you what is the most important item they need attention with during the next few days?

This attitude of meeting others' needs will provide the memories that children, spouses, and extended family are striving for during the holidays. Often you will find the answers are simple. “Mom, would you mind if we did a puzzle together?” “Honey, I’m really hoping that you’ll make up the chocolate pudding dessert you are so famous for. I’ll be happy to help.” “Sis, would you mind if we took a walk together down to the ‘Broken Pond’ as I haven’t been there with you since we were children.”

Then ask, "What can I say no to? What can I delay? What can I just let go so this will also be a week of diversion and rest for me, too?" Remember, this is supposed to be the holidays! (Oh well, I know that you will be lucky to get a few moments’ reprieve here and there, but they are worth their value, so take them.) Even as you meet others' needs, consider how to meet your own needs. Going a little slower, asking for a bit more help, and just sitting in the midst of the mess as you enjoy your grandchildren might best meet your own holiday needs. Identify these needs and meet them. It is your holiday, too!

Mayonnaise: What MAY I desire to do if I have a moment’s peace and/or solitude?. The biggest challenge for most people during this Sandwich Week is the lack of time alone to do anything personal. After all, there is usually a spouse around, children home from school, and/or company to entertain. But if you do get a moment’s peace because everyone else is off somewhere, taking naps, or just not up yet in the morning, what will be the best use of your time? Decide now and make this priority a part of your Sandwich Week plan so you can act as soon as the van disappears around the corner, the last nightlight is extinguished, or you find yourself up first in the morning.

Have a good Sandwich week. If you are still this messed up, confused, and disorganized by the end of January, you can get upset and be discouraged. But don’t feel that way this week. This is Sandwich Week. You’re only half way done. One more major holiday to get through and you will be sailing into the New Year. So MUSTard, MEET (meat) and MAYonnaise your way through the week and you will be more happy, more calm, and more delightful to be around.... Happy Sandwiching!!!

And, as a good friend said recently, "Lettuce relish Sandwich Week!"

©2009 Marie Calder Ricks/www.houseoforder.com