Christmas Cards mailed . . . . Check
Presents bought and wrapped. . Check
Stocking hung with care. . . . Check
Party menu planned . . . . . . Check
Give Cookies to neighbors . . Check

Its easy to see why so many people feel overwhelmed during the holidays. Throw in a minimum 40 hour work week and mayhem might ensue. If my list and the corresponding checks make you smirk, perhaps I should let you in on a few secrets for the holiday in order to keep cheerful and sane. My cards were written in October, I really have to get a headstart as the season is very stressful for me, and literally ever second counts. Having the cards prepared beforehand I can easily drop them off in the mail on December 1st, holiday stamps are available after Thanksgiving day usually. I also begin putting my Christmas decorations up on Turkey day, a whole day off and no prospect of shopping - what else do you expect? As I have four very extravagant trees throughout the house in a variety of themes, this is more of a must than a whim. My annual Christmas Party is Sunday the 16th, and we will be running down to the wire, I just finished the menu last night at 2 am. Sleep deprivation is a neccessity this time of year. After hosting a few years you learn a few things - that nothing is perfect, and nothing ever goes completely as planned. So don't panic. My biggest hint is have plenty of drinks available and start with the good stuff, trust me by the time you open the 5th bottle of anything -- your not looking for the flavor profile. And on that note watch your party participants and always have coffee and a taxi cab ready.

Love,

B