Surviving These Holidays.

So I wrote a post last week about how much I dislike the holidays. Then it got deleted. It was a great post and I'm not going to attempt to re-create it.
I do get all weird and grumpy during the holidays, but I'm doing a few things to combat my inner Grinch and they seem to be helping.

•  I'm giving in- the Mr and Mini Me really dig Christmas so I decided to surrender to it. I went along with getting the tree and didn't whine too bad when they wanted one that was bigger than the 3 foot tall balsam fir I was keen on. We saw a performance of the Nutcracker Ballet and it was actually really lovely. We've been watching Christmas movies. (Well, I've been cruising Pinterest while they watch movies.) 
• Handmade stuff that I want to make. I've been able to leave the paper snowflakes and gingerbread cookies to the others while I focus on the mindlessness of handmade paper bows and the culinary delight that is my cranberry chutney.

• I surrendered (a bit) to the commercialism of the season. I went shopping. This year, I was lucky enough to have some good friends along for the shopping day. They are the type of friends that can talk me into or out of buying just about anything. Sometimes, that's just what I need. Plus, we got to have a big yummy lunch out. I live for lunch with my girlfriends.
• I've been working out. Not too extreme, but exercise is a great way for me to combat the doldrums of the season and I'm doing a bit more than usual these days. Hooray for endorphins! 

You won't catch me caroling around town any time soon, but I am finding ways to be less grumpy for the holidays. Who knows? Maybe someday I'll actually look forward to the season.

Until then, Here's my favorite Christmas song ever: