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A Stress-free Holiday
Unwrapping a Stress-free Holiday Season
By Donna Smith
Rocks also delegates jobs to "mini-butlers." "I get college students to run errands and help with some of the other holiday-related activities so I can spend more time with my family," she says.
Rocks says the biggest thing she does to avoid stress is to manage her expectations. "I'm not a decorator, so if my home isn't perfectly decorated, it is likely no one will notice," she says. "If dinner isn't the best anyone's ever had, it's OK. They know I'm not Emeril." If she does find herself a little stressed, she will watch her children sleep. Says Rocks, "You don't have to leave the house, it's free and best of all, it works!"
Due to recent events, many people have made changes in their lives and discovered what's important in life. Why not carry that over into the holidays? "It would be nice in this year following September 11, with a struggling economy, fires, draught and uncertainty, that we could slow down, simplify and focus on what's really important," says Susman.
And after Santa has snuck back up the chimney, and the presents have been unwrapped, don't let stress sneak back in. Jacques-Merle says to leave the wrap, bows and ribbon on the floor and relax. "Pour another cup of cocoa, put on some holiday music and relish watching your children play, and the tree lights twinkle."
Want to see more?
- Celebrating Thanksgiving with New Eaters: What Foods Should Be on Baby's Holiday Plate?
- December Birthdays for Baby: How to Make Holiday-time Birthdays Special for Babies and Toddlers
- Lasting Traditions: Creating Holiday Keepsakes for Baby
- New Baby, New Holiday Traditions: How to Combine Traditions to Work for Your Family
- Join the discussion on our Family.com community!
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