For many, the holidays are synonymous with picture-perfect trees, happy family memories... and STRESS.
Because those perfect pictures and family memories aren't just going to make themselves, are they?
No, someone -- usually mom -- is up until the wee hours of the night decorating, baking and wrapping to make everything just so. And sometimes the pursuit of the perfect holiday can drive us to the dark side, where we get so wrapped up in the trappings that we forget that this is supposed to be a joyous occasion.
As Alli Worthington writes over at Babble, "I’ve got five kids. Right there that’s no less than 25 teachers, a dozen coaches, countless parties, Sunday school instructors, etc. If I added up all of the people affiliated with my kids that I’m 'supposed' to bake cookies for or give gifts to, I’d never have time to breath let alone enjoy myself."
Her solution: She draws a line and makes a short list of holiday stuff to do that matters most to her, and lets the rest of it go.
How do you handle holiday stress?