Every year I look forward to Thanksgiving, but by the day after I start dreading the Christmas season. Call it seasonal affective disorder, or the holiday blues, but the over-planning, the over-shopping, and the constant over the top commercialism will send a speeding panic attack my way. It happens every year, and it has happened every year, and it will probably still happen, but I’m slowly learning how to deal with it.

This year I’ve just had to stop… I didn’t decorate outdoors. I have only gone shopping once. I have had to dodge emails, phone calls, and texts about presents. I’ve also been perfectly honest. I haven’t hid the fact that shopping stresses me out, and I’ve been honest about what I actually want.

Instead of all the stressful filler and nonsense I have been focusing what the season really means to me.

That means snuggling up with the kiddos and watching lots of favorite movies, and living-room picnics too.

I have been working on crafts, and keeping myself busy.

The kids have been learning how to bake, and it is so much fun. They all have lots of questions, and they have so many new recipes that they want to try.

It has helped…

I have decorated but I’ve kept it simple. There are presents, but they are within a well planned budget. The house is tidy, and I’m feeling good about welcoming guests to celebrate the holiday.

I am looking forward to cooking though. I love sharing a meal with my family and extended family too. Sitting around the dining room table, talking, and catching up is my very favorite part of Christmas. That is really the only present that I want.

I do wish you and yours a beautiful and Merry Christmas, and a stress-free one too. Wishing you all the very best this holiday season.