Between holiday parties, picking the perfect gifts, cooking, baking, and oh yeah – did you remember to buy that book for your kid’s gift exchange? – this time of year can be downright stressful. Plus, Karen posted those pictures on Facebook of her kids in matching, clean, outfits, and let’s not get started about that adorable winter-wonderland party that Christy hosted. As we navigate the mania of this season, and particularly as we find ourselves comparing to our friends’ polished photos, let’s try to keep a few things in mind.

Simplify

• Did you get invited to three different parties this weekend, but you know that you realistically cannot handle one more social event? Politely decline. 
• Will your life be better if you hand-make those rolls for Christmas morning, or will your kids truly not notice the difference? Buy them at the store.

Savor

Take time to notice the good of this holiday season. Instead of running through the season as though you have to check items off a list, stop and enjoy the moment you are in. This is your son’s last fourth grade winter performance. Don’t think ahead to all the different things you have to do as soon as it is over. Stop, look up, and take in the sounds of his performance. Your whole family is gathered together laughing, holding cups of hot chocolate after dinner. Don’t rush off to wash the dishes quite yet. Take a moment, close your eyes, and soak in the smell, the sounds, the feeling of warmth.

Don’t worry about what Facebook is telling you to do. If you want to have a truly wonderful holiday season, just remember: simplify and savor.