Comfort Zones

I don’t make a big to-do during the season. Call me antisocial, but I just relish the time spent with my nuclear family. When things settle down from the business of life, it’s great to have some time with the people who mean the most to you.
Dielle Courtright
Hurricane, West Virginia

I hope that all the guests at our get-togethers will be forgiving when the napkins don’t match or if they are asked to help pour the wine. I hope that people come because they enjoy us, our friends, and our family, not because they are expecting the house to be perfect (since it never is). Assuming that our guests appreciate the invitation — and that they will accept us and our messy house — takes a great deal of the stress out of entertaining.
Shirley Lepore
Warren, Rhode Island

I remove stress by removing “should” from the holidays. Each year, I decide what feels most appropriate to me, given the time and the energy I have available: time with family, time alone, casual parties, or an elaborate dinner. That way, each year’s celebration is an expression of my true holiday spirit, not simply an obligation to get through.
Karen Minor
Alameda, California

After our first child was born, we knew that we wanted to minimize the stress involved in traveling to various holiday celebrations. So we decided that we would always stay home on Christmas Day. All the members of our extended family have a standing invitation to Christmas dinner at our house, and they know our kids are likely to show up to the meal in their pajamas. This casualness relieves some of the pressure of serving a big holiday meal. Plus, the kids have a wonderful, leisurely day, and everyone can share in their joy.
Amy Jones
Farmington, Michigan

When all the holiday chaos gets to be too much, I sit down with my children to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas. I get lost in the beautiful background artwork, and I dance to Schroeder’s piano. By the time the gang sings “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” at the end, I’m calm again. The show is a reminder of what the holidays are really about.
Sarah Eddenden
Brooklin, Ontario