Don't Stress - Tis the Season

 Hello on this midweek day!  Hope you are all well.  A cool morning here, just waiting on rain to move through this morning.  It's funny, we went all October dry as a bone - now we get rain and more rain.  We need it though.  Tomorrow looks to get much cooler here with snow later in the day.

We are now in that busy time of the year for many people.  Holiday gatherings, gifts to buy and wrap, plays and musicals, office parties, you name it.

Many thrive during this time and others really prefer to hibernate.  I can understand that, as it can all be overwhelming.  Some just feel that there are too many expectations to be met and to many people to see, and for some it is just a sad time.

However you handle it - know IT IS OK!!!!!!!  If you don't want to do - don't do!  Take care of you.

If indulging in the events of the holidays - just remember a few things that will help make things a bit easier.

• Make you list and check it twice or three or four times.  I am a huge list maker - it helps
• Check for sales and loss leaders at the grocery stores and get the deals for meals.  Most things we all serve will be discounted at some point during the holiday time
• Stay OUT of the grocery store the week of a holiday!!!!!  Generally, the people in the stores the week of - are panic shopping and things get crazy and lines get long, and peoples tempers flare
• Make sure you have everything for your baking needs - so as not to make lots of emergency store runs
• Maybe bake fewer things.  2 or 3 favorites is all people need - not dozens
• Prep what you can ahead.  Chop veggies, dry bread, bake what you can and freeze - do whatever you need to - to make your holiday easier
• Consider having others pitch-in some of the dishes - it is cheaper and easier when everyone does their part
• When it comes to cleaning - dust and vacuum, clean the bathroom and call it a day!  Don't worry about the closets, behind the beds, etc.  Some folks about kill themselves doing a deep clean.  If people are being nosey - they aren't your people!  I do the basics and that is it.  People should be socializing not inspecting!!!!!
• Simplify the gifting!  The holidays should be about the people and NOT the stuff
• DO NOT go in debt to buy gifts for others!!!!!!!  No sale, no deal is worth going into debt for.  PLEASE don't be one of those people that are paying off charge cards for months all because of one day.
• If you have extra gatherings (other than main meals) - consider doing things buffet style.  Finger foods, appetizers, a common drink - use crockpots to keep things warm.  Keep it simple.  I have a gathering every year - that I utilize a couple crockpots, a nice charcuterie board and maybe some chips, crackers and dips.  A few homemade sweet goodies and it's done.  We snack all afternoon and just enjoy each other!!!!!  

Whatever you do - don't let this time of the year get you down.  If you need to avoid people and gatherings - then do it.

Simplify what you can and don't feel bad about it.  As we age, it seems to make more sense to simplify, as we truly know what is important.

Pass on stories from your childhood and from family now gone to those that will listen.  I like to think that as I speak of those not here anymore - it is keeping them alive within the family.  Laugh and enjoy memories - they are important.

MAKE new memories!!!!!

So as the song says - "Don't worry - be happy"!

I hope as we enter this holiday season - that everyone will take care of their mental health and reach out to someone if they need help coping.  Be well and do what is best for you.

Have a super day everyone!