Great advice! I decided about 5 years ago that since we no longer do the tree at my house, I would let my children decorate their house and go to them for the holidays. If the grandchildren question why I haven't decorated my house, I have a small tree they can haul out and decorate for me with the understanding they will come back and remove it after the holidays!

Also, I have a couple of recipes that my kids request (cookies) and I use my available energy to make these two items only. That way, I still feel like I'm participating and yet, I don't wear myself out.

As far as presents are concerned, fortunately my grandkids are old enough that all they want is money to buy their own clothes. For the adults, instead of buying for each other (we don't really need anything!), we pick a family from the Salvation Army Angel Tree and my daughter takes care of purchasing all the items and everyone else just gives her money to cover the costs. I think we collected over $700 last year (we have a large extended family) and it was great for the Angel family - they had 4 children and we got everything that was on everyones list. I felt like I really participated in the joy of the season and it wasn't a lot of work.

Anyway, I agree we need to figure out what works for each one of us and not wear outselves out trying to make a Dickens Christmas.

Happy Holidays Everyone!