Blessed to be Stressed!

This week, most of my friends have agreed that we are running around like chickens with our heads cut off to create the “magic” of Christmas. In fact, Karen and I have been saying, “We just need to get to the 26th and then we can relax.” I’m sure the big man in red feels the same way.

Though most of my gifts are bought, every time I turn around, I realize there is someone (a crossing guard or delivery person) who I mistakenly forgot. Or I worry that one child has noticeably more gifts than the other two. And even though we had our Christmas photo taken early this year, I’m still haven’t gotten my Christmas cards—nothing new. Once again, I will end up using “Happy New Year” rather than “Merry Christmas.”

I haven’t started packing for our trip to Ohio. Only 5 of my gifts are wrapped. Our elf is making me crazy with his constant yearning to outdo his last move. The middle strand of lights on my fake, bare tree (our kitties have prevented us from using decorations since they have started living in the tree.) I’ve only been to the gym once in 8 days yet have increased my calorie consumption. And I’m hoping to get my roots dyed and grab one last cocktail with the ladies before ringing in 2018. I’m stressed! Sound familiar?

I am stressed…and so lucky to be so. I’m sure this is something that you already know; but sometimes it’s nice to be reminded.

At the heart of the stress are blessings: family to buy and wrap for, loved ones to send greetings to, a warm home to decorate, a Christmas morning to plan for where my children will most likely wake up at the crack of dawn delighted by a small fake tree surrounded by gifts and treats and family.

All of us have things in our lives which are struggles; the older you get, the more you realize that no one’s life is as perfect as the photo on their holiday card. In fact, I’ve often joked with my family that we should do a Christmas card revealing all of our troubles, illnesses, and family drama. But today, I’m just counting the blessings behind the stress and feeling thankful.


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Author: Heather Zachariah

Former Art Director for Home Magazine, Heather Leahy Zachariah, left her career in publishing after baby number number one. She now works from home as a freelance graphic designer and a chauffeur to her 3 busy kids. "Working on TipsFromTown has been a wonderful outlet for me. It renewed my love of publishing where I can design colorful, enticing pages online and allows me to share the things I love about being a mom." Heather grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio, a place that still is near and dear to her. " After living in Brooklyn for 18 years and studying Graphic Design at Pratt Institute, she now lives in the Jersey burbs. "I love living so close to NYC, but in my heart, I'm an Ohio girl."

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