Two years ago I sent out a Christmas blog that was short and snappy and straight to the point. Today, I'm sending it out again. Why? Because it's the holiday season. Who has time to read a lengthy blog?

This year, I'm re-gifting a gift I know you’ll like.

Brevity

So, if you're spinning your wheels on the holiday treadmill, here's a quick, friendly reminder:

• You honestly don’t need to hand-make ANYTHING for Christmas and that includes food.

• You can’t control other people. Only your reactions to other people.

• It’s okay to say no to ugly sweater parties or any party for that matter. You're an adult. You don’t need an excuse.

• If you have to drive to 4 different stores just to gather the ingredients for one appetizer, you need to burn that recipe so no other human has to endure that kind of misery.

• Meditation and Yoga and Journaling? Forget it. Just stay present while you’re doing the dishes. Or driving to work. Or cleaning the house. You’ll get back to your regular routine when the Christmas season is over.

• Overwhelm is a sign that you need to ASK FOR HELP.

• The dog doesn’t really need a Christmas present. You can cross that off your to-do list.

And if you're really brave . . .

Question every single thing you hate doing at this time of year.

I'm serious. Doing it for tradition’s sake? STOP IT. The kids will survive without the gingerbread nativity scene. Try casting a vote for a new tradition that won't exhaust you. Doing it to please your husband?

NEGOTIATE. Your presence at his company Christmas party is worth something. Use that bargining chip for something that supports your sanity. Doing it because people will starve (or die) if you don’t? PAY SOMEONE ELSE TO HELP YOU. The truth is, my friend, we don’t HAVE to do anything. Whether we like to admit it or not, we actually DO have a choice. So stop dragging yourself through the holidays out of some insane sense of guilt and obligation. If you don’t want to do something, buck up and say NO. If you CHOOSE to do something, then you may as well have some fun while you're doing it. You're not a victim, right? Right. You're a leader. False cheer doesn't make anyone happy. If you want the real thing, then its time to make a decision. Suffer through this season with inner resentment . . . Or break some of the Christmas social norms and make a mad dash for joy. Sending you so much love (and wishing you a bright and playful Christmas)