I really hope you have all managed to avoid a nervous breakdown as the Holidays  near and the year ends.  During all the hustle and bustle try to remember the TRUE meaning of Christmas.  Embrace what you have, and forget what you don’t.  It’s December 15th and I have still managed to stay semi-sane.  I am so grateful for all that I have, and for all the wonderful people in my life.  Oh, that reminds me of a quote:  “Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; but remember that what you now have was once among the things only hoped for.” -Epicurus.  I hope you all get to spend the holidays with the people you love.  Try to remember those in the armed forces that can’t be with their family. Continue Reading

I decided not to stress out about the holidays on November 23rd, 2009 at 7 something pm. It had been a dizzying day of GO GO GO and DO DO DO…I finally sat down to make a grocery list of stuff I had buy to make by that night because I had to take Aidan to Indy in the morning for a doctors appointment and we were leaving for Chicago right after that…breathe..ok

Mocha Cheesecake

So I started to make a list of the ingredients I would need for the homemade mocha pumpkin cheesecake, homemade mac and cheese, and another ridiculously complicated pie..when i just thought.  “It shouldn’t feel like this.  The holidays should not feel like this.”

I took a deep breath and decided to make the following adjustments.  I would be making two easy no bake pies and an easier version of my “gourmet” mac and cheese.  TADA. And you know what?  Thanksgiving didn’t get canceled.  I will probably STILL be invited next year too.

Know what DID happen?  I felt amazing.  I went to the store and was probably the happiest and least stressed person in that whole place.  It took me an hour to make those pies when I got home.  I drank a glass of wine and watched the episode of House I missed Monday.

Its kinda a good thing I decided not to be stressed this holiday season, because I woke up at 6:30 am the next morning to take my son to get his walker fixed, know what i found?  A destroyed front right tire.  Yep, could I be any more thankful it didn’t happen going 65 miles an hour on the highway with my precious cargo!

I looked at it, called and rescheduled the appointment and decided to worry about it when I got back from Chicago on Friday.  It was Wednesday, I instantly let it go.

8k Turkey Trot

So, I ran the 8k Turkey Trot in Chicago on Thanksgiving, fast…really fast (for me)…43 min and something fast…then hung out with friends and family and had a beautifully relaxing day.  Got back Friday called AAA, got my car towed, got the great news that actually THREE of my FOUR tires were in serious trouble.  OUCH on the ol’ pocket book, it had to be done, though.  Drove home in what felt like a new car, sweet!  Woke up Saturday morning to a FLAT front right passenger side tire.  All I can do is laugh.  It’s Monday November 30th and I survived!  “Expect the unexpected…” Words to live by.

I really feel that it IS possible to have a stress free holiday.  I believe that as single moms we expect entirely too much out of ourselves.  It’s okay to put the bar a little lower..seriously…I doubt anyone will even notice.  So, keep things simple, cheap AND realistic!

• Decorations.  My first christmas as a single parent I threw a teeny tiny party.  The invitation asked that the guests bring a few Christmas decorations that they already had and could part with.  That was how I started my collection.  People were actually more than happy to unload some of their stuff.  Everyone came and helped me decorate for my first christmas.  You dont need to spend a fortune, just be creative.

• Get all your ducks in a row.  My first priority above all is to be caught up on my bills before I start buying gifts.  You just really never know what emergency situation could occur.  I remember Aidans second Christmas he got sick exactly one week before. We spent 7 days in the hospital and he was released christmas eve.  That was a tough one and before I had ever started receiving child support.  Just Prioritize!



Homemade Gifts

• Homemade gifts.  I am going to let you in on a little secret, most people dont really want anymore more knick knacks or junk.  Most people have enough STUFF already.  I found a great idea for homemade hotchocolate, or make cookies.  Food is a great gift!

• From the Heart.  I’m not doing the generic christmas cards this year, those of you that do, please understand I’m not saying there is anything wrong with it.  I send cards with special messages letting each individual family or friend know how much they mean to me, usually with specific examples (Im behind on this right now…oops).  I can’t buy all these people gifts to let them know what they mean to me, so i do it this way!

• Budget.  Create a REALISTIC budget and STICK TO IT!!!  I know a single mother that just put a 400 dollar item in lay away because her 2 year old FELL IN LOVE with it!  Here is a little secret…that 2 year old forgot about that 400 dollar item as soon as you left the store!

• Remember what is important and what you are actually celebrating.  I grew up in a poor family and during christmas I always felt like an extreme inconvenience.  The holidays were never about family, but about how poor we were and how stressed out it made my family.  I know some families that were poor, but their kids never realized it.  Switch your focus!

• Cheap.  Shop at Once upon a Child or any other consignment shop for your toddler.  My kids were very happy with their “second-hand” legos they got for their birthday.  Take advantage of it.  Also, my kids are fanatic about the beautiful holiday lights!  Map out a little road trip for your kids, pack hot cocoa and some snacks.  THIS is what they will remember!

I could really go on and on about keeping your holidays stress free, but this should be good for now.   Everyone please have a safe and happy holiday!