Putting the Merry Back in Merry Christmas!

Putting the Merry Back in Merry Christmas!
By
N. J. Walters

Remember when you were a kid and the holidays were fun. You’d count down the remaining school days until the holiday and almost explode with anticipation with that final school bell finally rang. You’d be thinking of all the things you’d do and the free time you’d have.

Those were the days before you were the one responsible for creating that perfect holiday. Now it’s up to you to buy and wrap the presents, decorate the house, bake the cookies, do the grocery shopping, cook the big meals, plan and host the parties… It enough to make you exhausted before you even start.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

Women put way too much pressure on themselves to create the perfect holiday for themselves and their families. Admirable, to be sure, but there is no way a single person can do this and not lose some of their holiday good cheer when they get overwhelmed with everything on the to-do lists.

What it comes down to is letting go of some of the control and not worrying if everything isn’t perfect. How do you do this, you ask? Easy, involved the family more and let go of some things.

Some of my best holiday memories involve being in the kitchen with my mother baking cookies and cakes. She’d let me stir and add ingredients and, of course, lick the bowl and taste test whatever we made. As a result, I have wonderful memories, plus I can now make all those things for my family and friends.

She also involved us in the making of Christmas dinner. Kids can mash potatoes and older ones can stir the gravy. They can also set the table and do the dishes. It gives them an idea of how much work goes into creating a holiday dinner. And do as much ahead of time as you can. I make my cranberry sauce a few days before Christmas. It sits fine in the refrigerator. Remember, you don’t need to have every dish your mother ever made gracing the holiday table. Pick the family favorites and enjoy them. There is always so much food and treats around the holidays, they won’t miss one or two items.

Draft your kids into duty and have them dust and vacuum. Hey, my sister and I had to do it and it didn’t hurt us a bit. Give your husband a list and send him to the grocery store. Make the list as detailed as possible, but don’t be upset if he doesn’t buy a particular brand of mayo if you don’t specify which one you wanted. He shopped. Be grateful and move on.

Cut down on your Christmas list. Many folks can no longer handle the financial burden and would be just as happy to cut you off their list. For office gifts, avoid the hassle and buy gift cards in bulk. Their the right size and everyone likes them. Pick a local coffee shop. Everyone drinks coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juice, milk… You get my point. I buy them in $5 and $10 denominations. And, hey, if you don’t give them all away, you can treat yourself to a nice hour out in January.

Do your holiday cards early, if you still send cards. I like to turn on the Christmas music in early November and take a Sunday afternoon and do mine. I’m not rushed and I enjoy adding personal notes to each card. On December 1st, I pop them in the mail. If money is tight, send e-cards. You can find the one you like and then simply mail it to everyone on your card list. It’s the thought that count.

Above all else, remember what the season is all about. It’s not about presents or the turkey. It’s about family and friends and hope. It’s about counting your blessings and being thankful for everything you have in your life.

So put the merry back in the holiday this year for you and your family.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all!


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