It seems like no matter what we do to try and make the holidays a little less stressful, it never seems to work. This year we bought presents early to get a jump on the shopping rush, started wrapping presents a few weeks ahead, so we weren't up all night trying to frantically wrap a hundred boxes...and yet still, my neck is in knots and we find ourselves saying "I can't wait until it's over." Am I just programmed to be freaked out every Christmas by everything I need to do or is there truly a way to enjoy this wonderful, or what is supposed to be wonderful, time of year?

For some odd reason, or perhaps divine intervention, whenever I get to feeling this way at any time of the year, I somehow stumble across this great little blurb written by one of my all time favorite writers, Erma Bombeck. It really puts life in perspective, reminds me to slow down and enjoy the holidays, and to love and be grateful for having such a full life. I thought this was the perfect time to share it with all of you. Happy holidays!


IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck
(written after she found out she was dying from cancer.)

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding
pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

There would have been more "I love you's." More "I'm sorry's."

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it. Live it and never give it back. Stop sweating the small stuff.

Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what.

Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.

Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with. And what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally. I hope you all have a blessed day.