To the Point of Popping

It happens every year. You promise yourself this year will be different, but amid the sales, wish lists, mall traffic, and tinsel you fall back into the routine of holiday stress you've become accustomed to year after year. Does your Christmas not seem like Christmas if the stress isn't at an all-time high?

Remember this post from last year? It's a good reminder that the holidays come and go, whether that last item is crossed off your list or not. Besides, no one will ever be the wiser if one less Christmas cookie-type is baked this year. So, give yourself a break. Start to pare down the list and sigh a huge relief, knowing that it just doesn't matter. All of this busyness (that, by the way, is self-manifested) truly takes away from the Christmas spirit and true meaning of the holiday. It's time to rejoice, to be thankful and show gratitude and kindness to others, and to be at peace, ourselves.

This holiday, don't get to the point of popping. Let out a little air, slow down, breathe, and just promise yourself it won't be like this next year (ha, ha, ha).

How's your holiday-prep coming along?