Happy, not Haggard

For about eight years now I've participated in a cookie exchange each December. It's a lot of fun which usually involves lunch, good company, and dozens of absolutely picture perfect cookies. It's an event I enjoy and look forward to. But this year I had to say no. It has taken me a couple years but I think I've finally figured out that the key to happy holidays is not spreading myself too thin. At the beginning of December I looked at the calendar and devised my holiday plan. One weekend for travel, one weekend for the tree and the parade of lights, one weekend to shop and visit Santa and the last weekend for baking. That's it, that's all the time there is. I can't make more time. And, whatever "spare" time there is I'm devoting to the boys. One of my favorite things this season has been cuddling up on the couch with Soren under a big blanket and introducing him to Rudolph and Charlie Brown. I love those old Christmas classics and sharing them with him has been special for us. Tonight I'm very excited to settle down with Frosty the Snowman. That's the kind of time that I'm just not willing to give up this year, not for all the pretty picture perfect cookies in the world. Come Dec. 25 I want to wake up happy, not haggard.