Why do I stress myself out every Christmas? Over the years I have let go of many of the things that I used to do this time of year. I don't bake cookies, I don't send cards, I don't try to hand make every present. Why am I still stressed? This year may be because I had to drive each of my children out to Dulles airport, on separate days, for their flights to Germany to be with their Dad and his family. I am so happy they are able to go, but driving in the DC area is bad enough, and during the holiday....whew! Tonight I drive out there again for my flight to San Diego. My Mom has not been well lately and I decided on a last minute trip for Christmas. I will spend it with her, my sister and my brother. I am looking forward to enjoying some time with all of them.
My stress also increased due to some work problems, and worry over my son's back pain. Also, when I get busy, I let go of my yoga and meditation practice and I don't walk or exercise as often. Doing these things help me to maintain a better balance when outside stressors influence me. So, why do I let these activities go when I get busy? Very good question.
New Year's Resolution: Take care of myself first by exercising, doing yoga and meditating, before I do all of the "must/should do's". Ahhh....I feel myself relaxing already.....
On the positive side of the holiday, I celebrated Christmas with my children last Saturday and we had a lovely day. Here is my son in his new shirt and tie.
And, this is the Brioche Stitch Scarf that I knit my daughter. Note the University of Maryland colors. Due to the popularity of this pattern at the shop, I will be teaching a Brioche Stitch Scarf class at A Tangled Skein, in Hyattsville, Maryland, in January. I am going to play with some other color combinations before the class.
Two weeks ago we had some snow and my daughter (who is participating in the Gymkana program at UMD) had some fun in the snow. In the first photo she is balancing only on her hands on the school terrapin mascot. In the second she is doing a headstand on the ice.
Merry Christmas to everyone and may your Christmas be filled with love, peace and joy. Take a deep breath..........and relax.
