That Time of Year...Again


    It's the week of Thanksgiving. Most are focusing on Thursday; preparing for guests, assembling ingredients for all their favorite dishes, cleaning the house. I am in the midsts of my annual holiday panic attack. I'd love to have a brain that will isolate this week's to do list. However, mine has started to list all the things that have to happen before the end of December. I am desperately overwhelmed. Is some of this trouble of my own making? Sure, but I am fairly certain this year that a lot of it isn't. Work demands, school schedules, and extanded family obligations stand out immediately. 

    In the past, I have advocated using your journal to day dream or organize to relieve holiday stress. Today, I am suggesting a revolution.  Change what you can and bring sanity back into your life. Those of you with children 2-12 cannot be saved. You have to do all the stuff. Get off of here immediately and have a cup of tea or maybe even some wine. Now the rest of us should get thinking. What might spark joy your holiday and lessen the load. First step, who can take over some duties. I hesistate to ask husbands to complete jobs outside of their comfort zones. They tend to get overwhelmed too throwing responsibilty back to you. (Cream of mushroom soup can be found by anyone without a phone call. I am certain.) Still, you should consider them an asset available to wrap presents, set up google calendars, or talk to their own mothers. Second step, gently discuss a lowering of expectation. Traditions may be changing, fewer presents may be under the tree. Third, try to make the implimentation fun too. Now what can we do?

    Brainstorm as many possibilities as you can and write them down with a bit of flourish. Good luck!

I'll start you off...

1 - McDonald's has a meal that comes with Grinch socks and pickle fries this year. Combine it with a movie night and possibly a second occassion to wear the socks like a  morning  brunch featuring green pancakes and red sprinkles. 

2 - Themed gifts - Think of the tradition where everyone gets a new book then reads together. Other possibilies include giving everyone a Lego set to build, gingerbread kit to decorate or puzzles to complete. You can even wrap snacks to give as accompanying gifts. If this feels like 'not enough', add a gift card but keep it simple! This should be a one box store trip plan.

3 - Do a mug exchange with extended family, coworkers, or any other group you find yourself in a gift giving loop with. Add a gift card to your favorite donut shop or bakery if you like.


Good luck to us all and Happy Holidays!


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