A Mommy Story

You know, I’ve had plenty on my plate lately. So I’m making the decision to not fight with a rush order of Christmas cards this year, paying extra for shipping and struggling to mail them in time. If people want to see pictures of my kids, they can come visit the blog. Or hey – here’s a concept – stop by and see them live! Besides, I never do those long we never see you so here’s what my family has done in the past year letters, so people aren’t missing out on much.

It’s freeing to realize I don’t have to address 30 envelopes this year. (I’ve got bad handwriting anyway.) But now that load of holiday pressure on my shoulders has lightened enough that I won’t collapse under it. And if anyone gets upset, I’ll tell them I’m being environmentally conscious this year. Save a tree.

Truthfully, I’ve cut back on a lot of holiday decorating and preparation in an effort to save my sanity. We’re using paper plates and cups for Christmas dinner to cut down on washing dishes. Aaron and I aren’t participating in the adult Hanukkah gift exchange this year. And gift wrapping will involve a lot of gift bags and tissue paper, I think.

I still battle depression, and the Ghost of Holiday Stress that haunts many of us this time of year jabs at my dark mood with its glittery, red and white striped bah humbug stick. I don’t need that.

My haiku today is also part of PBN’s blog blast, partnering with FamilyAware.org, a non-profit organization offering free support and assistance to those feeling overwhelmed or depressed. (They are nice people – earlier this fall they helped me find some resources.) If you want to participate, write about how you are adapting your holiday preparations to keep from becoming overwhelmed before midnight tonight. Full details can be found at the PBN blog.

To play along for Haiku Friday, follow these steps:

1. Write your own haiku on your blog. You can do one or many, all following a theme or just random. What’s a haiku, you ask? Click here.

2. Sign the Mister Linky below with your name and the link to your haiku post (the specific post URL, not your main blog URL). DON’T sign unless you have a haiku this week. If you need help with this, please let me know.

3. Pick up a Haiku Friday button to display on the post or in your sidebar by clicking the button at the top.

REMEMBER: Do not post your link unless you have a haiku this week! I will delete any links without haiku!