The mess

I started out planning on a fun, and self congratulatory post, but since it was about Christmas presents, it got me to thinking...

The Holidays are such a stressful time, and usually it isn't even on our own behalf.  We want it all perfect, *for everyone else*.

I've come to the conclusion, that I'm not perfect.  Therefore, nothing about my holiday is going to be perfect. My kids will make me nuts, my food will be tasty, but not outstanding, someone will be less than thrilled with whatever gift I give them.  But here's the deal...

I'm sharing these days with my family, and with my friends.  They accept that I am not perfect.  They understand that I can't afford to buy them some of the things I want to give them, for the same reason they can't afford to buy them for themselves.  But they know that what I can give them is my undying, and unconditional love.  Behind every meal, behind every gift, behind every snark, giggle, and joke, is my affection for them.

I guess the moral here, is, why the hell are we stressing?  Let it go.  If the food isn't edible, does it matter? Will they hate you? No!
If there are only 1 dozen cookies left, will they hate you?  Ok, maybe, but still!

Let it go, and just enjoy being with the people you love, and who love you too.