Think you don't have time? You do

Today I was asked by a magazine editor if I could give one tip for having a good holiday season. The answer came so quickly that I surprised myself.

Let go of your perfectionism!

If I can talk you into letting go of your perfectionism, then you can cruise through the holidays without all the stress trying to be perfect puts on you!

I know you are looking for that picture-perfect postcard feeling, but let's face it — that only happens in paintings or in the movies. I want you to allow yourself the freedom to celebrate the holiday without this undue stress.

Let's look at how your need to be perfect ruins your holidays:

• You procrastinate until the last minute to do anything because you just don't seem to have enough time to do it right or you don't think you do! Then it really isn't done to suit you or anyone else because it is just thrown together! I don't have time! This phrase is whiny!

• Shopping is put off until the last minute because we have not planned our purchases, and then we hit the malls looking for anything and spending whatever to get something to give. You settle because of that phrase again: I don't have time! Yes, you do, if you started a few weeks ago!

• Do you see a pattern here? Do you know the meaning of the word deadline? It is the point at which you have no more time. In other words, you practically kill yourself doing it, when a little each day would have helped you process things without the stress. Now you really don't have time! But you'll put on your superwoman costume and kill yourself along with the rest of the family trying to save face! This is what makes the holidays miserable!

• Because you have waited until the last minute again to purchase items, you are faced with a marathon wrapping session. No one likes to do this, and it is hard on your back. Be kind to yourself and do a little at a time as you come in the door. If you hear yourself say, "I don't have time right now!" then just do one little package!