Happy Holidays! As we prepare to celebrate with our family and friends, there is so much to do that it can be overwhelming. That is why we need to breathe, prioritize, and truly remember why we are celebrating the season. We get so wrapped up in getting everything done, being on time, and making sure everything is just right that we forget to take time for ourselves.
I had a major stress moment over my Christmas cards this year. I purchased matching pajamas for all grandchildren, because I thought it would be fun to take a group photo with all of them in matching pajamas. The group photo didn’t work out, so I worked with everyone’s schedules to take pictures with each family individually. It went well, and the bonus was that all the grandchildren loved their new pajamas.
After the pictures were taken, it was just a matter of getting the cards designed and printed. I thought I’ll never get it done – why? It was a time factor, and I was stressing about it. One night, while I was sitting at home, I just jumped up and ran to Walgreens and did it. The clerk was so helpful, and they were done in an hour. Now I just had to get them out.
As I was printing the address labels and putting the cards in the envelopes, I noticed I forgot to put my name on the card. I sat at my desk and giggled and thought to myself – well if people don’t know who I am, they shouldn’t be getting a card from me. The stress of those cards was causing me anxiety, especially since I was already getting cards in the mail from other people. Well, I am proud to say I got my cards out – without my name, but I did it.
After it was all over, I sat back and thought to myself, would it have been that big of a deal if those cards didn’t get out? No! Why do we do this to ourselves? Christmas would still come, my family would still gather, the baking would still happen. Sometimes we just need to let things go. Enjoy the moments we have and stop worrying about the little things.
As we approach the New Year, I hope you’ll remember to take time for yourself and your families – make that a priority. Try to set goals for yourself, and keep working, keep learning, and keep growing to make yourself a better person. Oh, and one more thing – remember, if the cards don’t get sent out, it’s okay.
Have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2025
