Take A Breather in the Holiday Crush
Steal away to a quiet corner. It’s okay, I won’t tell.
Don’t worry that Aunt Agnes thinks you are a terrible housekeeper or that your wife’s father doesn’t think you support her well enough. Don’t think about money, or trees, or crowded (or empty) houses. Don’t think about the stress.
Take a deep breath in. Release. In again. Release.
Poise your pen over your journal and think for a moment about what the holiday season means to you. Think about the loved ones, the carols, sharing time with friends, of faith.
Write a few lines about what Christmas means to you. The good, hopeful, and positive stuff. Read it. Add to it or embellish it with fond memories. Write down what really matters.
Feel better? More centered? Good. That’s the goal. 
Hug Aunt Agnes and smile at your father in law. It will be just fine.
Do you know what? I needed to do this. Just reading the post I stopped and focused on the good things. They are what I need to cherish for this morning in particular while they happen. I’ll stop dwelling on the things happening later in the day for now and enjoy the good bits of the day.
Thank you.
And Merry Christmas!
I’m glad it helped.
With little ones, the holidays are hectic even without relatives. Merry Christmas, Cassie. 
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas, Alex.