HO! HO! HO!  I actually love the holidays.  But, getting beyond the layers and layers of stress can be something of an excavation project.  Once done, I can feel my heart swell with love and excitement and celebration!  I want quicker access to that.  Why do I feel stressed?    All of the ‘shoulds’ and ‘musts’ and expectations set by Hallmark and the like!  Families hugging in front of the blazing fire, with soft white snow falling beyond the window, Christmas carols playing the background and the sweet smell of home baked cookies wafting through the air.  Christmas morning, Mom gets out of bed looking great, make-up in place, perfect nightwear on her perfect body.  The house looks like Martha Stewart stopped by for a quick consult!  Please!!!  It’s enough to make anyone feel inadequate!  So here’s how I get great joy during the holidays:

1. Enjoy the present moment.  Love what you you are doing RIGHT NOW, without regard to what else you have to do.  What you are doing at this very moment is the perfect thing!  My husband and I went on our annual Christmas shopping date.  He hates ot shop and I hate shopping with him.  But, we had a ball because we were together, without a timetable, looking for special gifts for the special people in our lives. 
2. Appreciate what you have.  There are so many others who have less.  Just 50 miles west of here, right now, folks are spending their 12th consecutive day without power due to storms.  And even they are fortunate compared to others who don’t even have homes to light and heat.
3. Listen to your favorite Christmas music as you wrap presents.  Sing along.  Who will know and if they do, who cares?  Do what you want! 
4. Create memorable moments and traditions.  When my kids were really little, I  created a treasure hunt for them to follow to find one of their presents on Christmas morning.  It’s become a tradition.  Now, at 12 and 15, they still ask if we’re going to have a treasure hunt.  It’s a joy to create and the whole family loves watching them run around to find the prize.
5. Pamper yourself.  Take a nap when you’re tired. Ask for help.  Do things together.  Cut out unnecessary, burdensome tasks.  They can wait. 
6. DO AT LEAST ONE THING EVERY DAY THAT CREATES JOY FOR YOU!