I wrote yesterday about how hectic this time of the year can be. And I ended with asking myself, if no one else, how we can rid ourselves of “hectic.”
Here are things that came to mind, some of which I’ve tried, others not.
1. Start preparations early. That means shopping in September or October so that all your gifts are purchased and wrapped before “hectic” starts.
2. Decide if holiday greetings (read Christmas cards here) are really important to you. If they are, then write that form letter early and address the envelopes early too. You can send them whenever the spirit moves.
3. Determine when you need to decorate your home. Some years it could be earlier than others if you’re entertaining or going out of town for a week or two before Christmas.
4. Keep an accurate calendar of social commitments, so nothing sneaks up on you.
5. Take yoga or meditation classes, the better to keep focused.
6. Don’t step on the scale. Most people gain weight over the holidays, and watching oneself weigh more isn’t soothing.
7. Decide that laughter beats organization. If you’re not completely prepared for a party or a gift exchange or — Heaven forbid! — Christmas Day dinner, just go with the flow.
8. It’s more important to enjoy the company than it is to enjoy the meal. Meals are one of a kind; company — especially family — transcends any dry turkey or crummy dressing.
9. Ask for help. If you’re the hostess and are overwhelmed, commandeer the first guest who asks, “What can I do to help?” Assume that the person means it.
10. Finally, remember what we’re celebrating. Christians revere the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas; Jews have different traditions that center on Hanukkah; African Americans revel in Kwanza. But it’s really all the same thing.
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