I think there is a way: stop doing so much. I think all too often we women allow ourselves to get caught up in the idea that we're responsible for everything or the world will end. Sometimes we get so caught up that we don't even allow others to help. Why do we do this to ourselves? I think others will often sit back if they think everything is being taken care of, but it *is* annoying to notice others taking it easy while you're sweating over the stove. I'm all for doing less: keep the meals simple, only bake one kind of cookie, keep the gifts small, etc.

What would really happen if we didn't have a big blowout at Christmas? Nothing, really. The sun will rise the next day and maybe we wouldn't be so tired. I think it's often very hard to give ourselves permission not to be responsible for creating all the magic, but sometimes we discover that quiet is better. Pizza sounds great.....