What is up with this? Terror Woman has invaded. There are so many things I want to do for the family that I'm yelling at them to leave me alone so I can do things to make them happy. 
December is sooo booked, and I already have everything to make the presents, but need time and space. I've threatened to get rid of the tv and turn the living room into an office/craft area. The kitchen (read: baking and candy) stuff has taken over. The eating table is covered by his computer since he started school and there is nowhere else to put it.
Everything is starting to seem like a "have to" instead of a "want to." Any advice? Offers to organize for me? 
Start with a list. I just had an outragious holiday panic attack today too. I started by making a list of all that "had" to be done. That settled me some. Then I went over the list again and asked myself, "Do I really WANT to do this? Why am I doing this? Would anyone notice if I didn't do it?"
For example, I'm in a holiday rut this year. Decorating is usually my BIG thing for all the holidays but for some reason this year I keep thinking I'll put it all up then have to put it all away in just a few short weeks. So when I came across "haul out more decorations" I wondered if anyone would notice, or care, if I don't get out all the extra little nic-nacs and candlesticks. The tree is up, the stockings are hung but do my dh and kids care if the red and green candles are on the tables and the snowmen ceramics are on the shelves? NO!!! Of course they don't and I don't this year either so I crossed it off.
Just pick the really important things that make the holiday fun and scrap the rest. Holiday memories are much more enjoyable for everyone if mom didn't spend her day's and nights as a nervous wreck.
AND DON'T FORGET TO BREATHE!! 
I'm sorry to hear all this is happening. December is always a very busy month, I think for everyone, because of the holidays. My advice is to just don't rush anything and set small goals. I know it sounds cliche but I think it really works. When my real job gets too stressful, I start setting goals almost by the hour. I find I get much more satisfied when I meet those little goals and I start working more productively, in effect accomplishing more than I thought I would. And use someone as a venting outlet, my sister knows by the tone of my voice when I call her that a rant is coming and she should just listen and offer kind words. But that is what we are here for too. 
Good luck and Happy Holidays!
Thank you both. Rambo, the list is a good idea, I'll be using it!
I yelled, screamed, turned to chocolate, then had a family meeting. I have always tried to be Suzie Homemaker, but it does NOT work with our family. All of us are students, we don't watch tv - only movies once in a while, and only have company maybe twice a year. We really have no room for the couch, which needs replaced anyway.
We decided to turn the living room into a family office! The tiny office space will be changed to a movie room. It's unique, but will suit our needs better. The long table I use for decorating will be in the former living room, off the kitchen, so there is moving space for kids to help. It will be a total reorganizing, but we will be able to live and work together now, instead of the biggest room not being used.
Those questions - Why am I doing this and who will care - really helped. My family is why I want to do this, and they are the ones who will care. After figuring out that NO ONE was happy with the normal setup, we're changing!
). Thanks. 
you know, i've had the panic attack a couple times over the years.
this year, i have to boys under 2 years old, and i've just gotten really lethargic. my husband has this fantastic idea that we (meaning me) should bake and mail cookies to his brother and sister, that he needs to take a cake for work on friday for the potluck, etc.
so... i finally decided that i'm gonna put my foot down and make him help me. no, he's not gonna decorate but he's gonna keep up with trash and dishes and child rearing.
that'll show him to get fancy ideas
I'm taking hte easy way out for cookies this year. Store bought dough, shhhhhh!
Other than that I have no tips! I don't deligate well with Holiday stuff, though I'm pretty good about making DH do the kid maintenance!!! That keeps them outta my way so I can do what I need to do!
I'm taking hte easy way out for cookies this year. Store bought dough, shhhhhh!
!
LOL I have to confess when it comes to sugar cookies I have tried so many recipes and my DH always says "oh, there OK" Well I started buying the pillsbury rolled stuff. He goes on and on and on about how good they are and so do all the guys he works with.
If it aint broke (and it saves you time and effort to boot) don't fix it!! 
Panic Attack!!! that was me last night. My house is upside down my partners mom gave us a bunch of stuff. Cool expensive stuff!!! Where do I put it all? Have to figure out where to put all the boxes for starters. Figure out how and where to put of the snow village...dept 56 lots of pieces. Two large Nativy Scenes. One of the nativies needs to be dressed up because I didnt do it last year. So hundres of Austrian Crystals to be applied to the wise men. Finish sewing sequence onto the tree skirt which by the way is larger than 72'. ONE BY ONE. Still have to put out the light on the outside of the house. Make my 2 extra bedrooms into cute guestrooms for company. Finish doing the gift shopping. Planning a menu for Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day dinner. Oh yeah did I forget BAKING!!! How and why do we do this to ourselves every year. Lets not forget the monster cake that I have due for New Years Eve weekend....to feed 500 plus!!! Anyone want to trade places?
MC
Oh I forgot to add we have this wonderful group of friends. There are about 20-25 including kids in this group. We are having our christmas party/gift exchange at our house...it will be loads of fun. Getting ready for that is the pitts!! 
The end result will be fun.
Zmama if it were only easy to trade...I dont have children to trade with but I do have a 5 pound yorkie that rules the house, 50 pound austrailan sheppard that was abused before she came to us so she gets scared fast, and an 70 pound hyper active golden retriever I think she needs to be on adhd meds.
I have to remember this is a time for family and friends. I was just listing to this song from SuperChick "We Live" I am not sure of the whole title...but the words say...never forget that the days we have are a gift from above. Its not quoted word for word but you get the idea. Ok I feel better now. 
See, now, ya wouldn't get the kids. It's doing all the holiday stuff with them leaving so we can't even enjoy it as a family. Santa doesn't visit here this year, he goes to their father's house. They want a tree, but we don't have room and I don't see the point, so we settled on decorated pine boughs. Still gotta do those...
I don't mean to laugh at you, but that first post is pretty funny. Reminds me of years ago when I was taking a class on "Effective Listening" so I would be a super mom. I am reading the book, my 10 year old daughter is next to my chair saying "Mom" "Mom" "Mom" and I yell at her I'M TRYING TO READ! 
Divorce does definitely change many things, inclduing holidays. It is so difficult to have to break with tradition and have the kids go to another home for Christmas. Been there, done that. It get's easier as the years go on and before you know it they are married and then you have to share them with inlaws. The perk is they have grandchildren and bring them to your house for Christmas.
awww Zmama... 
the holidays are tough but to be apart is harder. What are pine boughs?
MC
We're basically getting the cuttings off a tree, the lowest branches, and tying them together. Hang on the wall with ornaments, like a wreath but straight. It's something my gramma usually had on one wall (never waste anything!) from the branches cut off her tree.
I've also simply trimmed the windows and existing plants before. It's very pretty, but doesnt take up space.
sounds like fun and something easy and pretty to do!!!
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