Last night we took the kids out for dinner.   I was starting to feel the holiday clutter creep in and knew I needed quality time with my family.  The night before I had to cancel an appointment because I was down with a migraine.  This is a clear sign from my body to slow down, take a breath, and get organized.  

I also know when I am feeling this way that I need to check-in and see if I am being present with my family.  I decided to combine the two and ask for help.   

While out to dinner we made a list of all the shopping we needed to do for Christmas.  Doing this as a family helped me turn this task from stressful and overwhelming, to fun.  We got creative and left dinner with an idea for a gift for each person on our list.  Even better,  the ideas were thoughtful and fun.  Some of them are homemade and will bring us together as a family while we create them (which by the way I am attempting to do with my new Cricut Maker – I may need some wishes of good luck here).  Which left me feeling excited instead of overwhelmed!

Why am I telling you this?

This is a busy time of year and it is important to take some time for yourself and to slow down.  Twice in the last two weeks, I have had to take time to reorganize paperwork and recreate to-do lists.  Then I had to prioritize my lists.  While prioritizing I realized I had to say no to a few offers, cancel some appointments,  and let some things go.  I also had to “eat a few frogs” (if you have not read Eat That Frog, I highly suggest it) to get some high-stress items off my list.  I decided to tackle the high-stress tasks first thing in the morning, when I am at my best,  to create more time and flexibility in my afternoon and feel a sense of accomplishment in my morning.

Why did I do all of this?  

I took the time to do all the organizing and prioritizing because the holidays are about being present.  If you are worried about your to-do list or overwhelmed with work, you will not be present.  Remember, it’s ok to slow down and just be.   

It’s 19 days until Christmas.  Stop and take 19 minutes for yourself to think of how you can make this holiday season a little more simple.

Take a minute to get organized, drop some stress, and ask for help so you can be present.   

Isn’t that the point of this holiday time?  To be together? 

I invite you to be present this holiday season.

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