The holidays haven't even started...and I already feel behind.

Spoiler Alert: It's All In My Head

I just glanced at the calendar and realized it’s only November 3rd.

Halloween was days ago but already the avalanche of holiday expectations and responsibilities is creeping up on me. The commercials have started reminding me to get on top of the holiday shopping. My instagram feed is filled with influencers telling me to hurry and buy this $200 garland quick- before it sells out. People are asking me my holiday plans at hair appointments and dinner parties and I just want to shout “I DON’T KNOW!!!”

The holidays used to be my favorite season, but as a mom and wife carrying a heavy mental load on a normal day, this added pressure and volume of events and things to plan for is starting to make me feel a little like the walls are slowly closing in.

Just typing this makes me feel a literal panic. There’s so. Much. To do.

The ridiculous thing, though? I know it is alllllll in my head.

If I don’t buy my son new shoes before the Christmas Program or I don’t get around to stringing lights on the trees this year…the world will not end.

If I don’t host an elaborate Christmas Eve Prime Rib dinner, we will not starve and no one’s childhood will be ruined.

I don’t have to do it all. I don’t have to buy it all. I don’t have to do anything, really.

And neither do you.

So I’m doing a deep breathing exercise. And I’m heading out to take a walk.

Let’s take care of ourselves this season, ok?