I'll Be Home For Christmas...

There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort. ~Jane Austen

If you know me, you know that I am actually quite a homebody.

However, I went 2 months recently without cleaning house, doing my own laundry, or making my own bed and (shamefully), I have cooked only one real meal since September.

This globetrotting spell I have just completed, flies in the face of my domesticated “Martha-side”. (Although, I am certain Martha’s work schedule must keep her equally as busy and far from her home).

After returning from my worldwide tour, I have this overwhelming need to just be home; to sleep in my own bed, to snuggle up on the couch with Mr. Self Care, to savor the familiar smells, and sounds, and scenery that comprise my humble abode. I really don’t feel much like cleaning house, doing laundry, making my own bed and cooking- I just feel like putting on my favorite worn fuzzy pajamas and delightfully staying put.

The same is true with the holidays this year… I want to surround myself with Christmas, but I’ll have no festivities this year. My Christmas shopping was completed early- souvenirs from my travels. I made a batch of Christmas cookies and a batch of hot buttered rum mix, and I have dubbed my visiting mother in law (Head Elf, in charge of Boughs and Holly). Call me lazy, call me a scrooge, but I am letting go of a lot of little things this year that don’t really matter. I want simple. I want quiet. I want soft music, hot cocoa with little marshmallows…and, maybe, a dusting of snow.

Insisting on what you want and avoiding what you don’t want is not always easy- especially when other people (with their own diverse expectations) are involved. Choices that allow you a little comfort and joy should be prioritized along with all your other must-dos!

• Imagine yourself un-frazzled and content this holiday season.
• Take the steps toward creating that experience for yourself.
• Just say "No, that won't work for me" or "No, but maybe some other time" (Don't make excuses - just say no!)
• Don't allow yourself to be bullied.
• Don't make your needs secondary
• When you feel frazzled, get yourself some self care quick!