by Kelly Wilbanks posted in Parenting

The aging pumpkins on our porch fill me with dread and excitement. The holiday season is approaching. How did this happen" One minute I was watching this summer's eclipse and the next we're gearing up for Black Friday and all that it entails.
If need to step back now and think about what I want this holiday season to be about and not get caught up in all the stuff to do.  I want a do- less plan in place. I want to make memories with my family and I don't want those memories filled with anxiety about being late, being rushed, and being stressed.
I remember Christmas as a little girl. The memories that stand out to me are taking family pictures in front of the Christmas tree, feeding a reindeer, opening presents, and being a baby doll in our school's play. Oh, and I remember feeling guilty sitting on Santa's lap because I was still wearing the pants I'd wet myself in earlier that day.
That is what I remember: the feelings. The excitement and the joy and a little guilt for wetting Santa's knee. So, how do we get there" How do I keep the anxiety, the stress and the demands of "holiday cheer" from smothering the joy of the season" I want my kids to experience the joy, of course, but also for me and my spouse who have to manage all these festivities.
Scale back
The best advice I can give you and myself is to scale back. Think about all the things you want to do and then begin eliminating. The younger yo...