Time is flying by, but that is nothing new. Spring quickly turns into summer, and in the blink of an eye, the leaves are changing, and the air gets crisp — Ahhh, sweet, sweet fall. I get excited to think about my favorite months here. Sorry, summer people.

Listen, I enjoy summer too. Just not the heat. I welcome cooler days and everything pumpkin.

But let’s face it, these are some of the busiest months of the year. In September, the kids are all back to school, and life seems to be busier. We blink, and bam, we are wrapping up everything jack-o-lantern and spooky, then putting out turkeys and Santas for the next two months. It all happens so fast!

Every daggone year, I tell myself I’ll be more prepared so I can do this and that during the holidays. I would love to experience a Dickens Christmas in Wellsboro and many other things, but guys, there are only so many weekends in December! Yes, I shop early and get things here and there, but it doesn’t seem to help once December rolls around. It still feels like you are cramming everything into three to four weeks, trying to get it done. It can be a stressful time for so many of us. So much to do in so little time, but yet we have another ten to eleven months out of the year to prepare some of it.

Some people don’t even like to think about Christmas until December 1. Others start decorating for it in August. No joke, someone on my Facebook put her tree up, was drinking coffee out of a Grinch mug, and showing her new Christmas tattoo on her arm. I love it! I say whatever makes you happy. Christmas isn’t just a season; it’s a feeling. I am sure some of you read last week that I was writing about Christmas this week, and you weren’t thrilled. Then, I am positive there are others who were excited about the idea of a little Christmas in August.

I see no harm in starting early and getting prepared so there is less stress in December.

I have done pretty well this year. I have already started nine people on our Christmas list. I see things that I know this person would love and pick it up. I have listened to Christmas music a few times. Kenzy turns it on, on rainy days. She’s been listening to Halloween and Christmas music since early spring, I swear!

I’d love to freeze cookie dough in late fall for Christmas cookies. I’d love to get the stockings all done and wrapped before Thanksgiving. I have all these things I want to do, but I pray I get the time to do them. I am thankful for the shopping I have gotten done so far, but wish I had done more. It is scary how fast time goes.

I just saw multiple people on Facebook share a post that said something like, “Wasn’t it just June yesterday, and now it’s mid-August?” I commented “Merry Christmas!” on every single one. You laugh, but it’s true.

We will blink, and it will be deck the halls time!

Take my word, start now. Do something. Get a big box, and just start collecting gifts. You also can write everything down you bought so you don’t forget. Don’t let the holidays stress you out. Come December 1, it will feel good to have things already checked off the list, and I don’t mean Santa’s list. But, if you have been naughty this year, I suggest straightening up real quick because Santa will be here before we know it! It’s never too late to be on the nice list. *wink wink*

Speaking of preparing, here is one of my favorite recipes to quadruple and freeze for meals. Meatball subs, spaghetti, and meatballs, or with a side of ravioli. It is a meatball recipe used in our family for decades. Just make a few pounds, and you will have a few meals ready to go on a busy evening. Enjoy!

Homemade Meatballs
Ingredients:
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp. parsley
• 1 tsp. salt and pepper
• 3/4 cup of breadcrumbs
Directions:

Mix all the ingredients above and roll into balls.

Fry in oil and bake with tomato sauce at 350 for an hour and a half.