Blessed to be Stressed!

This week, most of my friends have agreed that we are running around like chickens with our heads cut off to create the “magic” of Christmas. In fact, Karen and I have been saying, “We just need to get to the 26^th and then we can relax.” I’m sure the big man in red feels the same way.

Though most of my gifts are bought, every time I turn around, I realize there is someone (a crossing guard or delivery person) who I mistakenly forgot. Or I worry that one child has noticeably more gifts than the other two. And even though we had our Christmas photo taken early this year, I’m still haven’t gotten my Christmas cards—nothing new. Once again, I will end up using “Happy New Year” rather than “Merry Christmas.”

I haven’t started packing for our trip to Ohio. Only 5 of my gifts are wrapped. Our elf is making me crazy with his constant yearning to outdo his last move. The middle strand of lights on my fake, bare tree (our kitties have prevented us from using decorations since they have started living in the tree.) I’ve only been to the gym once in 8 days yet have increased my calorie consumption. And I’m hoping to get my roots dyed and grab one last cocktail with the ladies before ringing in 2018. I’m stressed! Sound familiar?

I am stressed…and so lucky to be so. I’m sure this is something that you already know; but sometimes it’s nice to be reminded.

At the heart of the stress are blessings: family to buy and wrap for, loved ones to send greetings to, a warm home to decorate, a Christmas morning to plan for where my children will most likely wake up at the crack of dawn delighted by a small fake tree surrounded by gifts and treats and family.

All of us have things in our lives which are struggles; the older you get, the more you realize that no one’s life is as perfect as the photo on their holiday card. In fact, I’ve often joked with my family that we should do a Christmas card revealing all of our troubles, illnesses, and family drama. But today, I’m just counting the blessings behind the stress and feeling thankful.

My Must-Have Gift for My Family This Season