Stress-Free Holidays: Regaining Calm in the Holiday Storm

It has finally come to my attention that the holiday season is fast approaching. I came to this conclusion as I noticed the dancing Santa figurine several feet away from the Halloween costumes at a local mega store. The holidays should be a season to look forward to with excitement and anticipation, but I'm just not there yet. I know what's in store and I'm tired of our over-the-top family holiday extravaganzas. I'm looking for simplicity and less stress, if that's even possible. I need a holiday redux, and below is my plan for bringing about this seasonal revolution.

Musical Houses

The annual Christmas breakfast at my parent's house. Aunt Mollie's house for food and gift opening, the same at Grandma's house and then coffee and more gift opening at Mom and Dad's. All on Christmas Eve. That's three houses and four mad dashes for gifts and good cheer. I'm looking for consolidation. I'm looking for less gas mileage. I'm looking for being able to crawl into bed before 2 AM.

No More Gift-Giving Anxiety

It's gift certificates for one and all this year. Sure, it may seem a little impersonal. It may even scream laziness. I'm tired of trying to be a holiday people pleaser. And isn't a gift card better than the scarf and hat set I was planning on giving you? I thought so.

The Griswalds, Revisited

Down with the decorations! Sure, we'll put up a Christmas tree. We'll even hang our stockings on the entertainment center with care. I just flat refuse to decorate every square inch of my home in holiday tackiness. On a side note, did you know you can even get toilet paper with holiday greetings like "Ho, Ho, Ho!" on it? Yes, really.

That's A Wrap

Wrapping gifts used to be a holiday tradition I loved to participate in while growing up and I honestly do plan to continue this tradition with my son someday when he is old enough. For now, picture trying to wrap gifts with a toddler who needs the cardboard paper roll even though I have ten yards of paper still left to use AND two curious cats, one with a fetish for curling ribbon. By the time I'm finished, I have a gift that looks like it's been to hell and back and a vet bill. This is why they have those nice people at the store that will do this for you. This is also why envelopes for those gift cards everyone is getting just keeps sounding better and better.

That's The Way the Cookie Crumbles

Holiday haystacks, reindeer food, and elaborate cookie mix making is not on the agenda either this year. See the above mention of toddlers and cats, mix in some flour and an egg beater, and draw your own conclusions.

Call it holiday blasphemy. Call me a Scrooge; I call it regaining just a little sense of calm in the holiday storm. By following this plan, my family and I will have more time, and let's face it, more energy to focus on the spirit of the season and each other. That, to me, is the best gift of all.