Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Last Minute

Well, Hanukkah is already here and Christmas is less than a week away. This is the final push to get everything done.

We celebrated Hanukkah with my family this past weekend. I had 20+ people over Sunday morning for breakfast at 9 am. Afterwards, I rushed off to bring my daughter to her final performance of "Miracle on 34th Street" at the community theatre. This was followed by a cast photo and cast party. I got home around 6:30 pm. It was a super busy day!

So, in reflecting back over the holiday I've created this year, I believe I jumped right into the frenzy with everyone else. I was initially peaceful and calm. I was keeping everything in perspective and focusing on our traditions and highest priorities. But somehow I got sucked into it. Society in general seems to push us to be over-achievers. When I was relaxed people responded quite negatively about how I must be missing something or that my life wasn't busy enough.

So, here we are, less than a week to go. I have nearly all my presents bought & wrapped, (some are carefully tucked under the tree while others are hidden deeply) house cleaned and decorated, cards mailed out, and festivities planned and it feels good to be in the spirit and beyond the craziness. So, I'm picking up my kids after school and heading to the mall for the first round of exchanges.

Pacing things out, focusing on priorities, not succumbing to guilt or pressure, and singing holiday songs is my secret to having a happy holiday. I'd love to hear yours!

Happy Holidays!

Yours,

Coach Natalie