Combating Christmas Stress

Every year about this time of year I am panicking over everything I need to get done before Christmas. It’s not as crazy as it was when my kids were younger, but there are still a few more gifts to buy, a lot more presents to wrap, and a bit more baking to do. No matter how much I promise to “keep things simple this year,” Christmas stress seems to be inevitable.

The best part of the day is calling it quits on my to-do list and
relaxing in the glow of the Christmas tree.

Combating Christmas Stress

This week my usual pre-Christmas stress level was elevated by a last minute business trip. That wouldn’t have been so bad, but they sent me home with a project that needs to get done “before the end of the year”–um, have you checked your calendar?

I did enjoy seeing the huge Christmas tree at DCA.

I usually do work between Christmas and New Year’s because I enjoy the quiet and chance to get caught up, but this year my daughter will be here from Christmas to New Year’s, so I’d like to get a chunk of this project done before she arrives. ~sigh~

On a more festive note, if you caught any of my Instagram or Facebook posts last Sunday, you know that our 21st annual Christmas Cookie Bake-a-Thon was a success. I was a bit worried about how Scooby would react to all the activity in the kitchen, but he wasn’t fazed at all.

The perfect spot for sweet dreams?

Our group has grown over the years and this year we all were able to participate.

Here’s a sampling of what we made.

The pink swirl cookie is new to our list and was amazing–
the dough is red with freeze-dried strawberries! 

Weekly Run Down

Icy weather and my trip led to some adjustments in my workout schedule, but I managed to get in all my workouts one way or another.

Monday: Strength Workout
After 10 hours on my feet in the kitchen (between baking and mopping up sprinkles!) I opted for an easy day and light strength workout at home.

But first, a snowy/sleety walk with Scooby 

Tuesday: 3.2 mile treadmill run
I literally had to dust off my treadmill, but it was just what I needed on this slick morning, when I was short on time, but eager to try out my new running shoes.

I think they are going back–
my first thought when I put them on is that they feel snug.

Wednesday: Strength Workout
I was impressed by the gym at the Holiday Inn Express. It was a small room, but had a full set of weights, a Bosu ball, foam roller, fitness balls, and rack of med balls, as well as a few treadmills, an elliptical and a bike.

Crazy hair–don’t care–at the gym.

Thursday: Corepower Yoga
I got home at 11:30 pm Wednesday night, but had the forethought before I left on Tuesday to get everything ready just in case I could make it to yoga. When my alarm went off I debated skipping it to get an earlier start on work, but decided I should give myself the gift of time on the mat.

Anne worked some holiday songs into her playlist and added some “holiday” poses to our flow–baby back bend became “Menorah” with fingers spread for candles, low lunge became “Three Kings” with forearms uplifted together offering gifts, and star/horse became “Snow Angels”. I’m glad I went before facing my in-box at work.

Friday: Orangetheory Fitness
I don’t usually like tornado workouts because more switches means less workout time, but as tired as I was, that probably was a good thing.

Saturday: 8.2 mile Scooby Run
Somehow upper 20s and sunshine has become perfect running weather. These mitten-gloves I got from from Lululemon a few years ago feel light but keep my hands warm.

Isn’t this how everyone fuels their long runs this time of year?

Sunday: Cyclebar
It might have gotten warm enough for a bike ride outside, but I could get a ride in at Cyclebar earlier in the day and in under an hour–a winning combination this time of year.

Even with stopping at the Farmer’s Market and changing from church clothes into workout gear, I was ready with time to spare, so I did my usual post-class planking before class. It definitely felt easier not being tired from a sweaty ride.

Thanks to Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down link up
–join in for motivation and encouragement!

Wishing you a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and stress-free holidays from here on out.