Did you notice the Christmas decorations that were put up on Halloween? Did a chill run down your spine? The Christmas season seems to be getting longer and shorter. Yes, shorter. Look at the expectations that this season puts you. Fifty-five days is not enough to achieve perfection from Countess MarthaRachelNigelaPaula FoodNetwork. I’m not sure I’m up to Real Simple’s standards.
A lot to do! Are your cards out? Did you shop till you drop on Black Friday? Did you make wonderful decorations with recycled materials? Have you picked the absolutely perfect gift for everyone on your list? Do you have color-coordinated wrapping paper, tags, and ribbons? Can you make a perfect lasso?
When are you going to have your New Year’s Eve party? What are you going to serve? What will you wear to everyone else’s event? Do you know what to tip your hairdresser? What is the politically correct Christmas greeting? So many questions and so little time!
The holiday craze started when I visited a friend for Thanksgiving. He had decided that he didn’t feel like cooking, so he ordered from the local supermarket. And then he started to obsess. He wouldn’t taste good. There would not be enough. Turkey, cranberry sauce, whole wheat rolls, roasted pumpkin, mashed potatoes, and a pumpkin pie clearly wasn’t enough for five people. We add additional garnishes: homemade cranberry sauce, candied chestnuts, fruit filling, baked onions, candied sweets, baked sweets, peas with fresh mushrooms and three more pies. Oh, and at the last minute he ran back for a turkey breast, just in case.
Everything was delicious and we all had a good time, but it really made me think about how easy it is to get caught up in party excesses.
So how will you have a smooth holiday season? Here are some simple suggestions.
1. Like Santa Claus, make a list and check it twice. As you review, do a little reality check. Are you buying gifts for too many people? Are you planning to spend an unrealistic amount on each? Have you been overwhelmed with impossible to find items? (No, my cousin will probably NOT be getting that vintage fruit bowl this year.)
2. Only accept invitations that make you happy. If that means none, go for it! An unbreakable prior commitment is always a valid excuse. No one needs to know that the compromise can be with your sofa.
3. Wear comfortable clothes. Always. Don’t let tight shoes or questionable cleavage ruin your fun.
4. Shop in comfortable shoes. Take your wallet to a place that is easy for you to reach but hard for anyone else to reach. Don’t weigh yourself down with too many packages.
5. Shop online. Gifts, dinners, cards, reservations, everything just a click away.
6. If you have to send packages, remember that Correos will now collect the packages at your address.
7. Don’t bake unless you would fall into severe depression if deprived of the experience. If you bake, set limits. Never again will I have more cookie jars than will fit on a fully extended kitchen table.
8. This is for next year. Collect interesting gifts throughout the year. If you’re traveling, this is a great way to have truly unique gifts. Just don’t forget where you put them. Last year I gave away several precious objects that I had bought in Sicily three years ago. I would leave them in a safe place. At least they finally showed up.
9. Simplicity is very elegant. Repeat that twenty times, then start narrowing down your plans.
10. Gift cards are a wonderful thing. Do you want to give the perfect gift? Gift cards are not only perfect, but you can also carry them in your carry-on luggage.
11. Travel light. Take with you your pills, jewelry and one-ounce containers or the liquids you need. Wear something comfortable and a bit fancy so that if you do lose your luggage, you are reasonably prepared.
12. Set aside time in your calendar to do absolutely nothing but take care of yourself, whether that means going to the movies, meditating, getting a massage, or just taking a nap. Go at your pace.