Holiday Pressure

This is the time of year where I feel so much pressure... but never really notice it until I realize I'm paralyzed because of it! Yep- I mean literally doing nothing- except mindlessly surfing the Internet.... not even blogging-bad girl!

Did I hit all my goals this year?

Do I still have time to hit all my goals?

Did I get that perfect present for my child?

Did I get enough?

Hubby's birthday is 3 days before Christmas! How did that sneak up on me!?!

I really want to throw an Ugly Sweater party- but my house is a mess, I have no time... and will anyone come!?!?!

My mind is kinda like a mouse running on the wheel to nowhere.

Yes- some of the concerns are rational- but others- as you can see- are not.

The result is- I spend a lot of time thinking about what I want to get done- and often get nothing done... until my back is up against the wall and I have to act. Real scenario: Christmas is TOMORROW- I need to go SHOP!!!!

Oh the experts will offer tips for having a stress free holiday- but that's just another article I need to read- put on top of all of the unread magazines next to my bedside.

As the lady in that well known interview said "Ain't nobody got time for that!"

So, how am I going to make this year a little better than years past?

1-Prioritize. I need to actually sit down and decide what deserves my attention. Is there something easy I can do that can be checked off the list?

2-Be ok with failure. This one will be hard for this Leo lady. Be ok with not reaching all my goals. Maybe I'll have to throw some presents in gift bags this year instead of wrapping them. Maybe I'll buy some gift cards instead of endlessly searching for the perfect gift. Perhaps a happy holidays will replace all the cards I agonize over sending out each year.

3-Remember. There's always next year. Ugly sweaters aren't going anywhere. Put the party off for goodness sakes.

Do you go through the same holiday stresses as I do? I can't be alone in this holiday pressure cooker.... can I?