It is peak time for frazzled nerves right about now. With the countdown to the holidays drawing shorter, tempers and patience have followed suit.

This past week, my house has been blessed with colds all around. Normally, this is not something for which I offer much thanks, but the timing couldn't be better if I set it myself.

Like many people right now, we were in the midst of rushing here and there, preparing for the holidays, getting together with friends, planning this that and the other thing. It seemed as if at the start of each week, I'd noticed that each day was booked with something that needed attention.

Every day ended in exhaustion, with a disappointed look the lack of progress made on my to-do list.

Enter the virus...

It started innocently enough, with a sniffle here, a short temper there, and the next thing you know Puffs tissues are gold in my house. This also happens to be one of those 'knock you off your feet and rob you of all energy' bugs, too. The act of showering required about as much energy as I had for all of Saturday.

So...what happened? Nothing. Lots and lots of nothing. Dishes sat, Christmas cards went unsent, the wreath still has not been bought, and Sunday's dinner plans went out the door. We rested instead. A great big family rest. By Sunday, energy levels began a slight upswing, enough for the kids to help start a skating rink in the backyard and for me to tend to some basic house and book keeping.

Anticlimactic, to be sure, but it was glorious. There is something innately rewarding about focusing on basic every day tasks rather than worrying about what I haven't done yet. Having enough energy to sit at the kitchen table, sipping tea and going over a bank statement was enough for today.

Knocking off a few loads of laundry was enough. Being able to breath for a few hours while the decongestant kicked in, was enough.

Whether or not I get to all the Christmas cards, pick up a wreath, or find the perfect something for my kids' friends has nothing to do with my enjoyment of the holidays. Whether I'm prepared or not, they'll come, so it only makes sense to savor each moment in the meantime.

all the best,

Catie