You can choose to freak out about the house not being clean enough, and there not being enough hours in the day. The fact that the damn turkey is taking too long to cook, or the kids are misbehaving. Lose your mind because some relative was rude, or you forgot to get ice cream to go with the pie. I know, I’ve done all of these things. Or you can choose to survive. even enjoy this Christmas….
Slow down. 
Breathe.
Smile.
Say thanks.
Be thankful.
Enjoy the drama.
Expect some chaos. Embrace it.
Laugh. (especially at yourself)
Let go of thoughts of perfection; know what you have is already perfect.
Celebrate just being.
Live in the moment like this is all there is.
Know that there is someone out there not having the sweetest of days. Send them a prayer, a hug, a phone call, some love. Count your blessings.
Say a prayer for those not with you this year. Know that they are okay, and you will be too.
Make this day, your most favourite Christmas ever…..until next year.
Love.
I hope you all find a way to embrace the chaos this year, to love the one’s you are with, and celebrate the loved one’s who can’t be with you. From my house to yours; I wish you a healthy, joy filled, happy holiday and a very Merry Christmas.
xoxo
Love your sweater! I just wanted to share that your recent posts inspired me to “enjoy the moment” this holidays, and actually take a break from my work to enjoy time with friends and family. I’m in a better headspace for it and I thank you. Happy new year!
Now how do I begin to thank you for such a sweet comment? Seriously, thank you! I am so glad my post inspired you to enjoy the moment a little bit 🙂 Wishing you the Happiest of New Years!
Beautifully said my friend!!!! Happy (almost) new year!!!
XOXO
Words of wisdom for sure in terms of embrace the chaos and expect it.
From a husband’s perspective, I would add to not contribute to the chaos and offer timely help. I need to add that it is a work in progress for me…
Love this comment 🙂
Yes, the offer of help from the Hubby is SO SO appreciated. Scores BIG points in this house!
Hope you and yours are having a wonderful holiday season!
Such great advice. I have learned to embrace the chaos for half a day. I sneak off to nap in the afternoon then once dinner is over everyone including guests help clean the living room and kitchen. It helps that they know it sets my anxiety off to have the house a disaster.
Your family sounds so wonderful! What a difference it makes when the people you love just pitch in and help get it done.
I hope you and yours had a beautiful Christmas morning and are enjoying this Holiday Season 🙂
Hope you had a very Merry Christmas!
I hope you and yours had the sweetest of holidays!
Hope your Christmas was happy and you had power to cook your turkey ( thousands without power this week). All the best for 2014 and happy blogging!
Oh dear! We did have power and are so thankful for it. I’m a couple of hours outside of Toronto so we were not affected by the big ice storm. I hope you and yours had power over the holidays? All the best to you and yours for 2014
I am long past trying for perfection on Christmas. I count myself lucky if everyone is healthy and happy.
Health and happiness really is the ultimate goal 🙂
Hope you and yours are having a peaceful holiday season and all the best for 2014!
Merry Christmas to you and your family! ♥
Merry Christmas!!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!! All the best for 2014!!
Great message Stephanie…..I’m trying!!!
Truthfully I know it is easier to SAY we will not stress then to let the worries go! I did pretty well this Christmas and just followed the joy 🙂
All the best to you and yours for 2014!
All good advice! Merry Christmas to you and your family 🙂
Awesome list. Merry Christmas!
smiles…i hope you and yours have a peaceful and warm christmas filled with love….
that’s good advice
Letting go of perfection, something I struggle with every year! We all want that picture perfect Christmas but you are right…we must accept that what we have can and is our perfect day!
Merry Christmas!