Hey everyone. How are we? It’s holiday time, which can bring up stress for some, especially parents trying to make the holidays extra special for little ones. This year has felt less stressful to me, which is, I have to admit, awesome. Not having a kid finishing up a terrible round of chemo right before the holidays has altered our perspective on the holidays. This time last year, the littler one ended a phase called Delayed Intensification. We felt so lucky DI would be done a few weeks before the full force of Christmas celebrations, but his immune system was affected for weeks afterwards, and we came too close for comfort to spending Christmas Eve in a hospital room.

I also have said and done some things to keep it easier on myself. This year is much closer to a normal set of holiday celebrations. We’re still pretty careful about germs and keep an eye on cold symptoms closely, but the little one is only taking pills at home and occasional clinic visits. Both boys are in the heart of Christmas-enjoying age for the first time. Last year, the little one was too sick and little to fully get it. So far, this year has been fun and awesome.

So please, read on to take in some helpful holiday stress-reducing hints:

1. We’ve outsourced the answering of how many days until Christmas to the google. Google doesn’t care. She answers with the same cheerful tone of voice each time, whereas I would get more annoyed and grouchy every time I’m asked. Thanks, Google. When you overtake the human race, please remember my gratefulness.
2. I accidentally told my kids that Elf on the Shelf is moved by parents. I was distracted when older child asked me why we don’t have an Elf, and I said, “Because your dad and I don’t want to deal with that,” and his eyes went wide. It slipped out. I’m not proud. If your kids start asking you if you’re the one moving the Elf, it might be my fault. Really sorry. But now, there’s no chance of my getting talked into bringing that little tyrant into our holiday traditions.
3. I lie to my kids. It’s minor stuff, but these are pretty bald-faced lies for which I feel absolutely no shame. For example, our TV “doesn’t get” anything I find annoying. Our TV has never been able to tune into Paw Patrol, for example. Soon, Amazon Prime will suddenly stop carrying the show based on the book, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.” Great book series, worst show ever. And clearly, Santa Claus is playing a big role in our home. I know we’re not alone on this one, but uttering “Santa is watching” has kept some kids in line around here.
4. All food we serve on Christmas Day will be made in a crock pot or made ahead and served as-is. I love you, family. My love doesn’t need to be proved by standing in the kitchen for hours while everyone else plays with new toys.

So there you go, folks. Be a little more lazy, and be a little bit of a liar, and you too can have a low-stress holiday! Sending out all of the love and joy this holiday season, and I hope you’re with people you care about and who take good care of you, too.