Listening to the radio one day last week, the announcer commented that Christmas was only ten days away. I almost drove off the road. It’s not like I didn’t know it was coming, but just hearing about it in terms of days sent me into a panic. Somehow thinking it was almost two weeks away made it seem manageable, but ten days……wasn’t Thanksgiving just yesterday?

Time flies is an understatement. I started putting together a list of everything I needed to do relating to getting ready for the holidays, and as it grew I realized that it felt like work. Sure, I love decorating and baking cookies and seeing friends and family, but something didn’t seem right about turning Christmas into a to-do list. As helpful as a list of reminders is, going down the Christmas to-do list wasn’t giving me that warm and fuzzy feeling that this time of year should bring. So I threw it out!

The real meaning of the holiday isn’t about all the stuff I have to get done, it’s about being with the people I care most about and slowing down the clock to the make the most of that precious time together. Maybe a few less cookies will be baked, a few less decorations will be hung and the presents won’t be perfectly wrapped, but really…who cares? This year, not me! Here are a few tips for enjoying your holiday:

* Take time to enjoy the moment. Or a nap.

* Don’t worry, what doesn’t get done while you’re napping, nobody will miss anyway.

* Store bought is almost as good as homemade and the time you save can be better used for a nap.

* Delegate and if someone offers to help, let them – then go take a nap.

I really do feel more relaxed already. Those of you who know me well know that I can easily nap in front of a football game on TV, or zone out when I’m riding in a car as soon as we get on the highway. It’s a great way to relax and recharge.

On that note…Rose and I would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Give yourself permission to take it easy and relax and then you’ll be all recharged for a wonderful 2012.