It’s that time of year.  So much going on – so much to get done.  The house needs to be decorated, there are presents to buy and wrap, holiday school events to attend, college kids to pick-up, and meals to plan.  Did you get your Christmas cards done and in the mail?  How about those packages that need sent out in order arrive on or before December 25^th?  What day are you baking your holiday cookies or assembling that gingerbread house?  Who’s preparing Christmas dinner? 

Are you feeling the pressure yet?

Look, I understand that this can be a stressful time of year.  I’ve certainly felt it on occasion.  With Thanksgiving being “late” this year, it just seems to add to the urgency of attempting to get all of the “checklist” items completed for the holidays – with one less week to do it in.

I’m going to suggest something different to you this year.

Relax.

There’s really no law that states certain things have to happen for the holidays.  Sure, every family has their own traditions, but killing yourself to accomplish them every year doesn’t make for a very merry season.  Your homemade Christmas cards aren’t coming together?  You know you can just buy a box.  Remember, it’s the thought that counts.  Can’t find the time to bake 20 dozen cookies (in various flavors, shapes, and sizes)?  Just bake a few dozen of the hard-core favorites (you’ll still be eating them in mid-February anyway).  Sam’s Club even makes a big tray of holiday goodies.  See?  Problem solved.  Wrap a package or two each evening while you’re watching TV or surfing the internet.  “Farm out” that Christmas dinner, asking each guest to bring a side dish or dessert.  You’ll find that the work gets done.

Can’t decide what to get for presents?  Truthfully, if you’ve got a roof over your head, clothes on your back, and food in the pantry or fridge, you’re actually way ahead of the game.   Might I suggest that your loved ones probably have everything they really need.  In the spirit of the season, perhaps the real goal should be to help out your neighbor or a person who lacks these basic comforts.  The rewards are just as great.

Like Thanksgiving, the yuletide season is for spending TIME with our loved ones and friends.  Sure, go see your kid’s Christmas concert.  The smile on their face when they see you in the audience is worth the trip.  Turn off the radio and talk to your college-aged son or daughter on the ride back from school.  Call your parents or siblings in far-flung locations during the holidays – just to chat.  Create memories and work on those connections.

Let’s be real, can you honestly recall everything you received even last year as a Christmas present?  Probably not, but you’ll certainly remember the last time you gathered together with friends and loved ones to celebrate the Christmas season.   

So take some time to enjoy each other’s company during this year’s holiday rush.  Spend a relaxing evening with family and friends – no TV, no cell phones, and no distractions.  Practice the art of conversation over a crock pot filled with mulled wine or hot cocoa – the warm light of the tree lighting up the room and the sweet strains of Nat King Cole’s Christmas album playing softly in the background.  Live, love, and laugh.

Peace on earth – goodwill towards men (and women).  To quote the ‘Peanuts’ character, Linus – “that’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

I’m taking the next two weeks off to celebrate with my friends and family – go and do likewise.  I’ll be back in the New Year (and the new decade) with more ramblings and musings from my cluttered mind.  Thank you for all of your encouragement and support – I really do enjoy writing to you each week.

I wish all of you the best of holidays.