Stay Focused on What's Important this Holiday Season

Have you had enough yet? By Mid-December each year, we are subjected to the media's countdown to Christmas and all the tasks that go along with making sure this year's holiday is one for the record books. Personally, I do my best to tune it out. I want to stay focused on my family and the choices we've made to celebrate this season in the ways that are meaningful to our heritage and tradition. Make no mistake about it, I'm as challenged as the Mom next door to make reasonable choices when it comes to all the fun and fellowship December brings. But I know right as rain that if I say yes too often for both myself and my family this month, nothing will turn out the way we want.

This past weekend, our first ever Gold Family Gingerbread House Night was just a bit overshadowed by the day long installation of a new TV by my husband and two great friends. The TV was an add on to our gently scheduled weekend, but it was a big one and sometimes, we have to accommodate changes that have nothing to do with our plans. By the time we all arrived at the kitchen island for our Martha moment, TV in full sight and oh so tempting thanks to yet another hockey game, we were fairly down for the count before we even got out of the gate. With our toddler in tow determined to squeeze all four sides hard and often, 3 houses attempted resulted in one still standing. I do take credit for superior icing my oldest son and I patiently made that supported that one house. Bottom line, I couldn't wait to call it a night and start fresh the next day with a more realistic reason for the season. See, for us, the houses were frustrating that night. Had I been more flexible and moved houses over to Sunday, we would have had a great time with a big bowl of popcorn and the Hurricanes Hockey Team, all 50" of them, staring us down to bedtime. And we might have even ended up with three houses after all!

Today, I want you to take a deep breath, get out your eraser or white out, and take a hard look at your GO MOM! Planner. Why? Because its time to cut bait! If you are feeling over scheduled and overwhelmed, make an honest assessment at the work you've laid ahead of yourself and look for short cuts. If its shopping you've not tackled, shop online at sites that will also ship your gifts and do it by Sunday, December 17th for regular delivery or by Tuesday, December 19th for two-day or overnight delivery. If its Christmas cards you lack, skip the family letter this year and do a simple collage of favorite photos which will speak a thousand words better that we can any day. If its not realistic to complete this one by Sunday, consider relocating entirely to New Year's cards and complete them post Christmas. And if its simply time that has escaped and taken your daily workout with it, take a red pen through at least one item a day for the next few weeks to get yourself back on track.

Remember these four words: Time, Simplicity, Intuition, Balance. You'll see more about them in the new year here at GO MOM! For now, just hold them in your mind as you move through your holiday season. I wish you a joyous one!

Molly Gold
GO MOM!^® Founder