If you’re anything like me, right about now, you are exhausted. You’ve shopped and caroled and baked and planned and celebrated and stressed and shopped and stressed some more … and the big gatherings are still in front of you.

It’s this time every year that I always have to remind myself to take a deep breath and look objectively at the situation. What can I let go of that will help me truly enjoy the days to come?

The idea of perfection.

Perfect families in perfect clothing gathered around the perfectly set table eating the perfect meal … it’s an illusion. None of it is real. And none of it is important. If you are together and love is present, that’s the only reality you need.

Petty grievances.

Gatherings are inherent in the season, and interpersonal dynamics can be complicated. Invariably, you will have to spend some time with someone who has made things difficult. Rather than stress over seating arrangements and buffers, forgive and forget. What a relief it will be.

Worry.

This time of year, the list of worries is long. Let them all go. The old adage, “worrying doesn’t take care of tomorrow’s troubles, it robs you of today’s peace” has never been more true.

And last, but certainly not least…

Your diet!

Eat, drink, and be merry. Have the dessert. Have the cocktail. Enjoy the food. And then get up tomorrow and enjoy that food as well. This is not the time to count calories. Don’t be that girl!

Resolve to truly enjoy yourself this holiday season. Enjoy your friends. Enjoy your family.

Happy Holidays!

A week ago, my Christmas tree inexplicably came crashing to the ground, and with it, 16 years of family ornaments, a new one chosen every year by each of the five members of my family, came crashing down with it. Keepsakes shattered. Memories lost. It was heartbreaking.

But after the glass was swept away, the tree re-decorated, and my attitude re-adjusted, the loss reminded me of some very important things that I sometimes lose sight of in the holiday hustle and bustle:

1. Memories Have a Shelf Life – Strive to Make New Ones. I was surprised to learn that my kids couldn’t remember who chose many of the ornaments and why. Things that are meaningful at one point in time may fade, so embrace change and allow yourself to make new memories.

2. Nothing Is Perfect – Let Go of That Notion. Your holiday is not a magazine spread! Let go of the idea of perfectionism – it’s unattainable. And unimportant.

3. Open Your Eyes! The holidays are happening all around you, don’t spend your time frantically running around. Whittle your to-do list down to only what is truly necessary. Slow down. Say no to things that aren’t important. Open your eyes and enjoy.

4. Be Thoughtful. And Grateful. And full of thanks for everything and everyone around you that enriches your life. This is the time of year to recognize those people and tell them how important they are to you. Do it! It feels great.

5. Don’t Forget – You Need Time for Yourself. Togetherness is wonderful and celebrations are fun; but taking time for yourself ensures that you will remain centered and better able to create a peaceful holiday.

This season, remember what’s important, and ENJOY. Happy holidays, everyone!

How is Thanksgiving and the holiday season already upon us?

It’s hard not to go full speed from now until the end of the year trying to get it all done – holiday shopping, end of the year goals and quotas at work, holiday festivities, family commitments … the list goes on and on. As much as we might have going on during this hectic holiday season, Thanksgiving is a good time to stop, take a breath and reflect on the experiences and things in our lives that have brought us to this point and most importantly, to be grateful.

Oftentimes things seem harder than they are. Being grateful can help put things into perspective. Being thankful and expressing gratitude will improve your life.

Take the time to be thankful each and every day, not just on Thanksgiving.

It will make you appreciate the good things in your life and allow you to enjoy them to the fullest.

This Thanksgiving we are thankful for our team, families, friends, partners and clients who have appreciated us, pushed us to perform to new heights and have stuck with us. You are a gift to us. We are thankful and grateful for each and every one of you!

We wish you all the happiest of Thanksgivings!