Holiday Stress
Are you feeling the pre-holiday jitters? I feel extra stressed today and not sure why…
Oh yeah, four kids, a new show, ModernMom, and a team of aggressive agents trying to book MORE work for me. Big breath…
Then of course there is getting four kids ready for Halloween. My big girls have their school carnival and they are counting on David and me and the little ones to show up in costume! Good news is that I just had a facial peel done for my melasma and I should be in full Freddy Krueger form by Friday.
Speaking of melasma, many moms and women in general during their reproductive years are suffering from the “baby mask” (dark brown spots). I have had this condition since taking oral contraceptives 10 years ago. It got much worse with each baby and now is in full force. I have always loved being in the sun, and that hasn’t been an option for me for these past few years. Yesterday I had an acid peel done to hopefully lessen the appearance of the spots. I discuss it all in my first episode of The Doctors on Nov 5th and you can actually watch my treatment in a future episode, which I will post as soon as I have an air date.
The most important thing about melasma is to totally avoid the sun! That’s easier said than done. I keep a 55 sunscreen in my car; never leave home without it and I hide under a hat when I’m out playing with my kids. You can bet I’ll be lying low during the next week as my face starts to peel. UUHhh, the things we go through…
I just took out my holiday decorations. We will be carving pumpkins tomorrow night. Neriah is dressing up as Mini Mouse, Sierra will be Raggedy Ann, Rain is Snow White, and I am hoping to find a “Motor Cycle Man” costume for Shaya. He is obsessed with bikes! David and I may go as two Characters from Phantom Of The Oprah, if I can pull it together. Perfect to hide my new face.
I love the family aspect of the holidays, and dread the material part of it all. We’re going to try to keep it simple this year and focus on the stuff that matters. Something about the holidays makes me happy; the smell, the family dinners, cozy fires, dinner parties, and a fresh Christmas tree. But, at the same time it can be so stressful, especially in these tough economic times.
Homemade gifts are some of the best ones to give and receive. You don’t have to spend a lot of money, buying is easy, but thoughtful things go a long way. Here are a few ideas if you want to get ahead of yourself. Children’s abstract art, colorful handprints and computer printed books (I am making several of those for my kids and family). It’s super easy to design your own books online and they make a great keepsake! My kids love the “story of their lives”. Busy mommy friends love a night off…baby-sitting coupons and home cooked meals for a friend are sweet. I once gave David a hand made coupon book from the kids and me filled with lots of his favorite pleasures, it even included a hall pass for a night out with the guys! Picture frames filled with special printed moments are always a sure thing. Poetry is another one of my personal favs, confess your love and say the things that we never take the time to mention.
Heartfelt gifts can cost nothing, but mean a whole lot. Hopefully they can make the season a little less stressful, especially if you are receiving them!
