Stressful Season

Janet Jernigan wrote last week that she had only received one Christmas card so far this year. It’s a week later, and I’m one ahead of her…I’ve gotten two.

I enjoy sending and receiving Christmas cards. It’s a way to stay in touch with friends and family near and far…those we don’t see on a regular basis. With Facebook now, maybe there’s not as much need for cards. But I’m not a good Facebook follower and I still enjoy Christmas cards.

Sometimes, however, I get stressed over them. Last year, I made sure to purchase Christmas cards so I could do them early this year, leaving time in December for shopping and baking and visiting and such. My plan was to prepare them in October.

Guess what…I’ve yet to find them. I had my church over for a holiday dinner on December 7, and unpacked some Christmas decor before then…mostly my nutcrackers. I saw a bin that said Christmas cards. I didn’t see them, but wasn’t particularly looking for them at the time so I didn’t worry. Now I can’t locate that bin.

I’ve been decorating the tree for a week. It seems by the time I do what I have to do, I’m too tired to start on the tree. So, the ornaments are slowing being placed, and the living room is a disaster.

So, what am I going to do after we get the paper out this week? (In the weekly newspaper business, Thursday and Friday are considered down days…less stressful, regular hours, etc.)

We’re moving!

Yes, it’s finally going to happen. If all goes well The Monticello News office will open at 247 West Washington Street (the old Tillman House Restaurant), next Monday.

I thought it would happen sooner. We must be out of our building by the end of the year. I thought we’d have a month to leisurely move the non-essential stuff, as we determined what was essential and what was non-essential. No more. With Christmas arriving next Thursday, we are moving our location of 100+ years this Thursday…and through the weekend.

We aren’t packed. We aren’t prepared. But it’s going to happen. We’ve had plenty of time to prepare, but I’m a packrat, and it’s hard. And, the show must go on. The paper must be published each week without fail so there really isn’t much down time to do the extra stuff.

So, pray for us. And, trust that we will have an open house in our new location that so many are wanting to see. It will be next year. We have to get settled in, and I expect the first month to be unsettling.

People keep asking me if I’m excited. The appropriate phrase is scared to death. So hopefully you’ll get a newspaper next week, that looks like it’s supposed to, and you won’t notice the stress involved in getting it out.

And if you don’t get a card from me, you’re not alone. I still wish each of you a very Merry Christmas.