Each year it's the moms who are usually left holding the bag with everything still left inside to wrap, cook or clean.  From shopping to driving to practices and sewing costumes for the annual Holiday pageant - and (oh yeah) - preparing the meals -- moms across the country are getting that overwhelming sensation of "feel like screaming!"  This well-known and familiar pattern sends us moms into holiday overload.

But this year - in this unpredictable time of uncertainty - we have a little more on our shoulders and in our hearts.  Now, more than ever, our children and families need us and we need them.  Here are a few tips that might help us to slow down and maybe even enjoy a little  more "face to face" time with our families this holiday season.

1. The first thing to do is to make a list of goals before the big rush.  Write down what you want to get accomplished during the holidays.  Make two columns.  List one as "doable" and the other as "FLS" (feel like screaming). If a goal makes you "FLS," as you write and think about it, quickly find a compromise without feeling guilty and move on.  
2. Get real and throw Martha Stewart out the window.  Don't make such a fuss over food and decorations and end up making yourself sick and feeling unappreciated.  Make a few favorites and ask for help with any harder than average tasks.  Pick up a few side dishes at the local deli for those special meals.   
3. As you get things done, mark it off your list. It doesn't matter how small of a job it may be, mark it off so you can visibly see what you've done with your time and feel better about it. 
4. Delegate my dear!  Things may not be done exactly as you'd like for them to be, but who really cares?  (If you do, get over it.)  There's simply no reason why moms must do everything.  Let others help and allow them to feel good about it. 
5. Plan any parties before the middle of the month.  Send out invitations early and have the party early.  This will leave you with plenty of time to take care of other arrangements for family and friends without feeling rushed.
6. Address your Holiday cards now.  By beginning early, you can let the kids and hubby help.  You can address them, the kids can add the stamps and hubby can stick on the return address labels.  "Voila!" - He can mail them too!
7.  Choose names in a large family.  Put family member names in a bowl and let each person choose one.  Set an acceptable amount to spend on presents and stick to it.  For those show offs who can't stick to the rules, boot them off the gift list...or at least tell them you are thinking of it "just to keep things fair."  They may get the hint.
8. Ask the kids if they'd like to make gifts for grandparents or someone else that's special. There's nothing more loved and appreciated than homemade gifts from kids.  If you begin now, they will have plenty of time to complete the endeavor without becoming frustrated. Encourage the kids to work on them a little each day or whenever time allows. And, remember to let the kids decorate and complete their own creations.  That means HANDS OFF - Mom.
9. Make family traditions.  Anything a family does together each year can become a tradition to look forward to the following year.  For example, something as simple as baking and decorating cookies for a local nursing home makes a lasting and memorable tradition and inspires children to think of others during this busy season. It's not only fun but puts a smile on an elderly person's face and helps to instill sharing and caring in our own hearts. 
10. Make time for mommy.  We all need a little "me" time (especially during the holidays).  Take at least one hour a day and find something to reinstate balance into your life.  It might be in the form of exercise, reading or listening to favorite music for only an hour a day.  Let your family know ahead of time you will be doing this alone and stick to your choice. Remember that a happy momma has a happy family!