Take a Deep Breath: It's December

I keep a postcard tacked over my desk. It’s a photo of an interstate highway with cars whizzing past two large green exit signs. One sign reads Stressed For Christmas, Next Left;  the other says Stressed For New Year’s, Next Right. My friend Stephanie sent it last December and it’s oddly reassuring. Everybody gets a little keyed up over the holidays, it suggests, so get over yourself. In years past, I created my own personal holiday overload by 1.) Decorating little topiary trees with a zillion fresh cranberries stuck with a zillion straight pins. 3. Trying (and failing) to twist ribbons into voluminous wreath bows like the ladies at Ben Franklin. 4.) Racing to Target at 10:30 for a last-minute teacher present. Two words of advice: Just don’t. Put away the stack of unadressed cards. Clear the wrappings and ribbons. Sink into a comfortable chair. Open the December issue of skirt!  Inhale. Exhale. Read. Connect.  Repeat as necessary. Cheers.

Constance

ccostas@mediageneral.com