I was talking with a friend this morning and it got me thinking… that some of us may be feeling a bit of extra pressure this time of year.
Maybe pressure to…
find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list
attend school functions
care for friends and family
donate to worthy charities
and donate time too
look great for holiday parties
deck the halls.. and the yard.. and maybe the family pet
cook and bake from scratch
select the perfect host/hostess gift(s)
get out a fantastic family Christmas card
maybe with a letter included as well
wrap your gifts perfectly
… and I’m sure a million others things I didn’t think of, all on top of our everyday obligations.
Well, I never want stopping here to make you feel pressure… or give you a false sense that I have everything together. I don’t. Example: my house is small, which overall is fine. But while it sometimes looks like this…
it more often, looks like this…
because we live in our house, and I like to craft. And since I insist on pulling all my crap out in order to make the smallest craft. You know… because I just might need whatever I didn’t get out. You too? I knew I liked you!!
I guess what I’m trying to say is, do what you can with what you’ve got.
Be it time, money or creative energy. And then, the hard part… be content that what you have put out there is enough.
I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you this, but in case you do.
Just click on this link here to print it without the watermark.
If you just take away from this post a little sigh of relief, or print this and put it at your desk, on your fridge or frame for a friend, I hope we can support each other and know that we are
all doing our best
and it is Good Enough!!
Much love and hugs for a peaceful holiday season.
A Holiday Message from Me to You
PS: This is in no way meant to offend those of you who plan and execute a flawless holiday. My hats of to you!!
I know everyone has said it BUT I truly needed this message.. I only moved into this home on wednesday before thanksgiving and until today I was under the dillusion I could still do it all and unpack and make every room feel normal and cozy.. at about noon, I realized I couldnt and started to cry and feel bad about myself.
I am printing out your massage and plan to send it along to several folks . I can only do so much and work too and this year is gonna be slim on the decorating, cooking and doing my holiday visits…
Hopefully these folks will love me anyway and understand and if not, well then, my Best will have to be Good Enough..
many thanks
Sonny
Hi Sonny, Congratulations on your new home!! I’m so glad you felt like you could take the pressure off. Moving is super stressful and piling the expectations of the holidays on top could definitely get you down. Chin-up and enjoy the new house 🙂
Shannon, great post! I think we all feel this way to some extent this time of year. Thanks. By the way, the mantle looks fantastic
Cynthia
Oh yes! Oh yes! Oh yes! Let’s drop all the Christmas Time Pressure!
Oh yes!!!!!!
Tessa~
Great post, my foxy friend! xoxo
Oh Shannon…this made me chuckle. That is how my dining table looks most of the time. It’s just the best place to do projects, is it not? 🙂
Always feeling the pressure…but enjoying the season anyway! 🙂
Merry Christmas!
Kelly
Thank you, Shannon, It’s so good to hear you affirm that Christmas is not about doing everything perfect, it’s about remembering what Christmas is really is, and expressing our love in whatever ways we can, sincerely and truly from our hearts. It’s not a competition, it’s a celebration. Love and peace to you and yours!
Christmas Joy! Linda
Tonight I was in my kitchen with my daughters book all over the table, and looked into the open living area with blankets and toys every where… and thought. This is the real life version of the perfect home!! Never doubt that!! We live and live messy!! It’s the best way!! You are awesome to share this!!
Great reminder! Thanks Shannon!
Shannon – great message! I think we all need to heed your words this time of year! Thanks for the reminder!
Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Perfect post! 🙂
Yup yup yup. Must be messy to be creative. :). Hugs Shannon and thanks for the awesome reminder. For the first time in 15 years I am not doing christmas cards just to relieve a little of the holiday stress 🙂
We have to do what makes sense for us, and let the guilt go! Happy Holidays to you!!!!
Thanks, I needed that 🙂
Debbie
I bet you did honey. And a HUG too. You are going through so much. Love you.
Phew! Thanks, Shannon. I did just let out a sigh of relief. I was just thinking this same thing today as I was going over in my head all the things that I still needed to do. A girl can drive herself nuts sometimes! Anyway, this was a good reminder to keep things simple. Have a wonderful week. Your hearth area is beautiful, by the way. 😉
Blessings,
Nici
Thanks Nici. Glad you liked the post. Got a strong pull that I needed to write this today (: Happy Holidays
Thanks, girlfriend! This is EXACTLY what I needed. xo
I sort of thought you might… (: HUGS!!!!! Shan
So true, and such a needed message this time of year. Thank you! XO
I wish you and your family the happiest of holidays Debbie. Luv Shan