Hurry, rush, one last day....
We have been listening to these words
for the last six weeks.
What are we hurrying for?
Why does our television sets blare at us?

Well, because it’s the holidays;
its suppose to be fun, enjoyable - - - or is it?

As mothers
we are the holiday elves.

Yes we are. We plan the plan the parties, carry out our traditions, decorate the house, and buy all the gifts. This is no easy task. Yet we do it every year and every year we feel tired and stressed out by the first day of Christmas. We mumble, no more in our sleep, as we dream about the sale that got away. We love the holidays but feel exhausted once they leave us. Every year we say there’s got to be a better way. A better way for US the holiday elves, to really enjoy the festivities without all the stress.

How can we cut back on the stress?
- - - and still make a wonderful holiday season for our families? How can we relax and eat one of the hundreds of dozens cookies we bake? How can we remember who gets what gift and still remember OUR names? And wait a minute, isn’t this about family and togetherness? Moms want to see their kids and maybe snuggle with my hubby, just once, during this the grandest of all seasons. Here’s ten stress busters which will help us have a terrific time with our families:

1. Shop on the weekdays,
   not the weekends. Instead of spending Saturday afternoon at the mall trying to find Aunt Tillie some dusting powder take your kids to the park.
2. Don’t pack your calendar
   so there’s no room for unexpected events or free time. Leave a few days completely unscheduled.
3. Remember to get a gift for yourself
   and put it under your tree. It’ll make a wonderful surprise.
4. You can’t do it all,
   so don’t try. Just volunteer for the activities you enjoy. No one is keeping track of the overachievers .
5. Try not to be driven by unfulfilled expectations
   and perfectionism. Not every house is suppose to be out of House Beautiful magazine. The holidays will be enjoyable because your family will be together.
6. Save diets for later!
   Enjoy the delicious foods and holiday desserts.
   January first will be here soon enough.
7. Take a bubble bath,
   even in the afternoon.
8. Get plenty of sleep.
   If you feel tired take a nap, this will re-energize
   you and you’ll feel refreshed.
9. Only buy gifts for those you really care about.
10. Gifts are not only bought but found by giving of yourself.
    Perhaps there is a friend you haven’t seen in a while, invite her over for tea and cookies.

Relax and remember
the real meaning of the holidays
- family, love, and faith.

"Deck the Halls with Boughs of Challah"
Interweaving interfaith religions & traditions
by Beth Bruno & Deirdre O'Gorman Goldsmith
Many families interweave the traditions of different religions. My friends, Scott and Deirdre, who were raised in Jewish and Roman Catholic families, respectively, combined their religions when they married and now look ahead to educating their children, families and friends through the richness each religion brings into their lives. Find out more with a wonderful essay from my friend Dierdre.

Marble Cheesecake Brownie
by Bruce Weinstein
from "The Ultimate Brownie Book"
Gooey, fudgy, or cakey, flavored with chocolate chips, coconut, or nuts, frosted or enjoyed as is, who doesn't love brownies? This is a wonderful recipe from Bruce Weinstein who has written an entire book about brownies. He says, "Here are the most decadent brownies we've ever made: A sweet cream cheese ribbon is swirled into the buttery batter for a treat that's rich, gooey, and still packed with chocolate."

"The Gift of Christmas" - a story
by Linda Thomas
I was late getting off work on Christmas Eve and I hurried across to the Department store, hoping it was still open.I had to buy a scarf as a last minute gift for my daughter, which she just had to have she had told me this morning....I noticed a small boy, about seven years old with his face pressed against the window. He was dressed in shabby clothes, with only a sweater to ward off the cold.
see the rest of this story

Maria's Christmas Hand Ornaments
This is a great idea that comes from Maria who is a member of our craft group from California, She says, I have a craft idea for Christmas that you may wish to list. My three children and I made them last year for my in-laws Christmas tree. It's very simple, but they make a sweet keepsake.