Monday, December 10, 2007

A Stress Free Christmas

My goal for this year is to really enjoy Christmas and not get stressed out. In previous years, I remember just baking into all hours of the night, buying gifts and doing so many things like crazy. I literally wore myself into a frazzle. Christmas would come and go. Then it was like a huge letdown. I would get depressed , then I would get physically sick because I had been going on overdrive all through December and it would finally catch up with me. All in the pursuit of having a perfect Christmas for my family. I remember calling one of my friends after the holidays and she was sick with a horrendous cold and sinus infection. No doubt she was trying to have the perfect Christmas too.

For this holiday season, I think my attitude has been a lot different. I don't even have my Christmas decorations up or the tree yet and that is OK with me. I bought a lot of gift cards instead of hunting for hours for the perfect gifts for people. I don't bake anymore, just make peanut brittle and that wasn't too bad. I am meditating and exercising more and truly that has made a tremendous difference.

We have been invited to a lot of Christmas parties and usually I don't like to go because I am tired and stressed but this year I've gone to a couple and it was fun. Now I look forward to going to the rest.

I am also looking forward to seeing my college son this week. In the scheme of things, all these Christmas trappings really don't matter, it's about being with the ones you love and spending time as a family. As my older son prepares to leave the nest for good, I know these days are numbered and I just want to make the most of the time we have together.

4 comments:

BetteJo said...

I was going to ask if part of your change this year has to do with one of your kids not being home! And I suppose too - your other son being so ill this year - makes you want to slow down and appreciate the journey as well as the destination.
Sounds like you are on a very healthy path. :)

Catherine said...

Here, here!! It totally agree with you. It all gets really ridiculous for the few of us who end up doing just about everything. I haven't even bought a single present yet. The decorations are only up because my sons did it all.

I've tagged you - hope you don't mind. Just ignore it if you'd rather not.

palette48 said...

bettejo,

Yes, part of the change is because my one son is not home. The other is because my younger son is sick and time wise and energy wise, he has become my priority. My husband hates to Christmas shop but will go just to buy me something and that's it. I am responsible for everything else as most women are. The change has been good and I feel as relaxed as one can feel under the circumstances.

palette48 said...

catherine,

You're right, it is ridiculous for us to run around like nut cases trying to do it all. I am revolting!
Thanks for tag. I will work on that on my next post.