Biscuit time

I spent all day in a biscuit factory. Hard at work. 

Well, it felt like it was a biscuit factory. 

Many years ago, with complete lack of foresight, I set my self one of those Impossible Tasks that we mama's sometimes make for ourselves. I can't think of any others right now - my brain is filled with butter, flour and egg measurements - but I know I've set myself a few I wish I hadn't. 

This particular Impossible Task? Make mountains and mountains of sweet, delectable biscuits, all in time for Christmas. Not just Anzacs or shortbread or anything so mundane...no, no, I chose to entice them with spicy Pfeffernuss and melt in the mouth Vanillakipferl and chocolate coated Lebkuchen Herze. All the more-ish Austrian biscuits I could think of, have been incorporated into my yearly repertoire. 

And now this whole family biscuit tradition has become a monster dough ball that's threatening to smother me in it's sticky path.    

I actually like making these biscuits but this year I've left it a bit late (I'm blaming it on our 5 week holiday) and therefore I feel a little overwhelmed. And then I kind of had a little moment (insert complete frustration) when I told them all that this was the last year of biscuits and they were having shop bought ones next year. The kids looked at me with disbelief on their faces and I know it isn't true - I'll make them again next year .....

...but I do need to get it all together a little earlier in Dec. 

Doing things so late means that some things just won't get done. Like more handmade gifts and cards for family and friends far away. I'd like to do both those things and I've been thinking a bit about Christmas in Australia.
I love reading the blogs of our lovely northern friends and it struck me the other day that we have it all wrong Down Under. Just when it's our busy time in the garden, when the weather warms up and we want to spend more of it outside, then we have to stop and 'create' for Christmas. Winter is the time for 'drawing in', hibernating and feasting while Summer is freedom and the great outdoors - who has time to spend making and decorating for a 'winter festival' in Summer?
I still manage it each year as I'm sure most do, but it just somehow seems all wrong trying to sew, craft and crochet when the weather is beckoning us outside and the sun doesn't set until nearly 10pm!!
  

I'd like to do more of my crafting in the Winter months and maybe have Christmas/Yule at Winter Solstice but I know it would seem a bit weird. And sadly, I do work better with a bit of pressure - at least, I'm more prolific when there is a purpose to creating something. Sewing near the fire on a windy Winter day is so much nicer than when you feel you should really go out to water the garden or the animals before they die in the heat!! 

So, I'm wondering if there is anyone else that feels like I do. Am I just worn out and tired and having a whinge? Or is my European background causing me to long for a cold Christmas?

Maybe we could start some sort of Southern Hemisphere 'blogger craft accountability group' next Autumn just to keep me accountable with my gift making for Christmas.  And maybe you too!!! 

Sorry, I've just realised that I'm rambling here.......sign of a tired mind!