Choose Sanity this Christmas

I refuse to lose my mind this Christmas.

Sadly, I admit that on countless Christmases past, when the clock strikes 1:00 pm, I have passed out. After presents have been opened, a lovely breakfast served in the dining room, I land comatose on the couch for hours upon hours. Sheila Liaugminasgave me a great idea when we were chatting on her radio program yesterday. She suggested that I leave my snow village in the basement. I think she’s onto something.

Every mother knows exactly how I feel. We love the holiday season but we’re dreading the exhaustion. So I’ve decided that at 54 years old, it’s time for me to stop living like I’m Mrs. and Mr. Santa rolled into one. I’m not. I’m just the Mom. So here’s what I’m going to do to keep my sanity.

First, each of my four children will get one batch of their favorite cookies. I will make one batch per week from now until Christmas and freeze them. I know, better mothers would make them closer to Christmas so they’re fresher, but I’m determined not to pass out Christmas day.

Second, each child gets one gift. Ok, maybe one plus something else which is very small. That’s it. Third, when I decorate, I’m going to leave my Christmas village in the basement alone with half of my Christmas decorations. Will I decorate outside yet? Hmm. That’s up for negotiation. Of course I’ll put the tree up (does anyone else out there decorate the “family” Christmas tree, all alone?)

That’s it. There’s my list and I have one whole month to get each chore done. Does this sound selfish? Yup. Here’s what I’m going to do with my free time. I’m going to spend a couple hours per week pondering the Christmas story in Luke’s gospel. I’m going to pray and ask that God be a bigger part of my life and help me to live more like a sane person. And when I pray, I’m going to pray for three people who have never been on my prayer list.

This is going to be a great December.  Anyone want to leave their snow village in the basement?

Write to me and tell me what you are going to cut out this December so that you enjoy your Christmas too.