The Busy Season

I am amazed at just how busy the busy season has become! I remember years ago, back before kids, not really getting what people were saying when they talked about this time of year. Sure, I was busy with school, work, parties and shopping. Add three kids into the mix, and now I get it! Phew! The busy season really does start at Halloween. We got past that and then things just never slow down. I do have to say I enjoy the busy season, but I can see how people get overwhelmed so easily this time of year. I do not want that to happen here, so we have made (ok- I have made) some decisions to make life easier. We did our Christmas shopping earlier. I have only a few small things to get for friends, so we have not been rushing around trying to find things to buy. Instead I bought throughout the year when I found something I know people would like. I do not want to be stressed and dragging these kids through the mall or through Target when they could be sitting at home enjoying some down time. We also decided that we really don't need to do everything. If we don't see the lights at Bull Run, so be it. Kids will never know, and frankly I don't see the thrill. The kids think the neighborhood lights are just as fantastic, and it is a million times better when you look at lights 10 minutes at a time. We are not going overboard on gifts, and the kids are not getting all they ask for. Julia wants whatever she is playing with when you ask her, she so does not get the whole concept yet. William wants everything from a huge remote controlled dinosaur to the Barbie cruise ship (because it is a boat- he doesn't want the Barbies with it). He also wants a mermaid doll because he misses Mrs. Alyce- he may get that because we all miss her. I think that while our kids are young we can make the holidays into we want them to be for years to come. We can make it more about family and friends and less about presents and parties. We can spend more time relaxing in the glow of the Christmas tree lights and window candles, and less time standing in line trying to get the latest and greatest toys. Life is too short and too precious to spend it stressing at the holidays. I am going to relax, enjoy my family and friends and do my best to make this holiday season the most enjoyable yet!