that's just how it is

October wasn't my best month for Cut the Crazy blogging and it looks like November is getting away from me too.

I wrote a few blog posts "in my mind" but didn't post them because they were just like last year..the basics of Cut the Crazy.

And then, I saw the November issue of Real Simple magazine as I was waiting in line at the grocery store. I loved the gorgeous red dinner plates on the cover and bought a copy. I realized that I had last year's issue in my files, so I compared the magazines side by side. Guess what. They are very similar in content and feel. Each had a guide to feel organized for the holiday, the usual recipes for holiday food, advice to stick to your budget, etc. It's all stuff we need every year - just reminders and inspiration.

So, in that same mode, I'm going to write blog posts that explain the principles of Cut the Crazy. Maybe you've heard it all before, I certainly have! I never tire of the reminders, though, and they are always applicable in different ways.

Today I'm going to remind you that to gain control of Christmas, we must either 
CHANGE or MANAGE BETTER.

In my last post - a long time ago lol - I told you to think about what you want Christmas to look like this year. Is there a huge contrast between your dream and how Christmas really is? Now honestly ask yourself if there are any things YOU can change to make Christmas more how you want it to be.

Admittedly, some things cannot change. We can't change finances or certain family dynamics or personalities. But if we start now, maybe we can change how we cope with difficult things or how we manage the next six weeks. If you're inspired, take a sheet of paper and list one or two changes you want to make. Make a sub-list of realistic steps make the changes happen.

For me, I've got to get shopping while the weather's decent and the selection is good. I had my hair cut this morning and my hairdresser told me she's almost finished with her shopping. This lady has NO time - just like the rest of us. But she knows how her December is with appointments morning to night all month, and she shops early.

Next time we'll talk about our calendars.