I can hardly believe it’s the week before Christmas already! This month is flying by so fast and there is still so much to get done before Christmas next week that its hard not to be freaking out a little bit – and yet if we let ourselves freak out we are going to miss out entirely on the joy this season is supposed to be about! So let’s not spend this last week before Christmas being all stressed out…let’s ENJOY IT!!! Try following the advice suggested in this poem below (poem author unknown):

Tis the Days Before Christmas

Tis the days before Christmas, we’re all going nuts;
With so much to do, there’s no ifs, ands or buts.
Buy presents, hang tree lights, pop cards in the mail,
Send gift packs, thread popcorn, find turkeys on sale.

Decorations need stringing up all through the house.
And you haven’t a clue what to buy for your spouse.
School concerts, receptions, open houses with friends,
Long lineups, short tempers, tying up the loose ends.

With all our mad dashing, we’re reeling from shock;
Let’s stop for a minute and really take stock.
It’s crassly commercial, the cynical say;
If that’s true, that our fault-it’s us and not they.

Take time for yourself-though hard as that seems?
Enjoy your kids’ laughter, excitement and dreams.
Take a moment out now, don’t get overly riled,
Instead make an angel in snow with your child.

The shortbread can wait, and so can the tree;
What’s important to feel is a child’s sense of glee.
The holidays aren’t about push, rush and shove;
They’re for friendship and sharing and family love.

Hear the bells, feel the warmth, light up with the glow
Of a message first sent to us so long ago:
Peace, love and goodwill, and hope burning bright.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Make this week ahead about enjoying the season because before you know it, it will be over and you’ll have to wait another year before it’s going to come around again. Choose to make this time you have left before Christmas a time to be enjoyed.

~Amy Rees Anderson (author of the book “What Awesome Looks Like: How To Excel in Business & Life” )