A Prayer for the Holiday Craziness

Taking a breath in this crazybusy season

To the God of Christmas:

We know that you are the “reason for the season,” but we can become lost in the stress.

So many cookies to bake! Presents to wrap! Parties to attend! Gifts to purchase! Kids’ performances to watch! Family schedules and visits to negotiate!

We want to savor every moment and also for it to all be over already, please.

We try to do everything, and we end up sick or resentful or irritable. We say no to some things, and then we feel that we missed out.

At first we delight in the excess of the holiday season, and then we feel overwhelmed and overstuffed. It’s just too much.

But may we remember that it does not have to be all or nothing. We can do some of the fun things, and not all of the fun things. We can set our sights on what matters about this season and also wear silly ugly sweaters. We can give out of the abundance that we have, and we can recognize that we also love to receive.

We can light a candle and take a deep breath. Focus on the present moment. Put each hol…