How to Create a Meaningful Holiday Despite the Chaos

December 17, 2007

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I’m feeling pretty impressed, we had our tree up and decorated by the 11th of December this year. A whole 10 days earlier than 2006. You see, we typically have a very rushed holiday season…a mixed blessing for us. My husband does 3x the monthly volume for his wholesale electronics company (no Wii’s in stock, sorry! but hurry if you want a plasma or a digital camera…still time!)

Last year not only was my husband busy, but I was swamped participating in Carolynn Duncan’s Hundred Dollar Business Experiment and sharing a kiosk with her, keeping princess-themed product stocked and it consumed all my time and energy (thankfully my mom even stayed with us for a few weeks to help me with my then-6 month-old baby and other 2 kids, plus sewing some original products for us). We were so busy with the mall and barely surviving that putting up a tree, not to mention attending any holiday events was not an option. The one day I tried to attend my son’s holiday concert I came down with a bad flu, likely from all of the lack of sleep!!

Despite the madness of keeping up with the business, I was determined to do SOMETHING to make it seem like Christmas, so on the 23rd I took a bunch of toys (from my inventory) and donated them to a Woman’s Shelter and also did a big Sub for Santa for a friend’s children in need. Even though I missed seeing Sissel (I even had a ticket!) and parties, etc. giving something to others in need made it feel like the Spirit of the Season was bright in our home.

This year things are already different…fortunately now I’m here, working on Startup Princess and not at the mall with 120hr/week holiday hours. This week will be very tough for my husband…but we do have our tree up, holiday music playing, festive parties planned this weekend and plans for a big post Christmas break to celebrate and enjoy more time together. Plus, as a family we’ve decided to continue sponsoring orphans in Bulgaria in 2008 through One Heart Bulgaria and to World Vision (my kids want to give 5 ducks to a family in need $25)…and give to a local family in need as well. It feels sooo good to give.

Today’s Magic Wand: Take a deep breath and evaluate is there something you can donate, give, or do (shovel a driveway, buy extra groceries for someone, etc.) that will bring them (and you) more Holiday Cheer?