I just finished reading Save the Cat by Blake Snyder and found that by hit or miss, I'd come around to writing as he suggests in his book. Wish it hadn't take me quite so long to figure it out, but now I'm hoping I'll get a bit speedier.
Hi Lisa! I can relate to your feelings of stress SO MUCH! A few years back when my youngest son mentioned he hadn't received anything he really wanted (he has always been extremely particular) I had a big blow up and announced I was no longer SANTA for the entire household. Since then I have enjoyed the season so much more. We don't exchange gifts other than things we can do together. For example going into the city for a special show (Wicked, for example) as a family. This year we are seeing the Transylvanian Orchestra together. Other than church, a nice meal on the day, and decorations, oh yes--and a big pan of baklava--that's it. I am so happy to be out of the Christmas rush and the stress of the stores. I love the season again! Hope yours is terrific!