Blessing Your Husband Through The Holidays - Part 1

The Christmas season is one of my favorite times of year.  You too?  I love the sights, the smells, the tastes...  It brings back good memories for me and makes new memories for my family.

But...  (oh, yeah.  There's a big but in there.)  ...it can also be a stressful time, especially for us mamas.  The gifts, the decorating, the food and all that jazz.  It can be kind of hard at times not to be overwhelmed by it all.  What in the world can we do to make it easier on ourselves?

Here's a tip:  Exchange Christmas gift lists with your hubby.  I know that it can sound a trifle self-serving, but it helps both of you!  My husband isn't too terribly difficult to shop for, but I want to make sure that I the kids get him something that he really wants or needs, especially when you have to stick to a budget.  Our anniversary is two days after Christmas, so our tradition is that the kids buy presents for the parents and then we fill each other's stockings ($20 per stocking).  That way we can save for our anniversary.  Usually Paco does a really great job picking things out for me, but he can sometimes get that deer in the headlights look in his eyes.  I'm just helping him out a little. 

Maybe this is a no-brainer for you.  Maybe you have been doing this for years or you're so in sync with each other that you don't have to bother with this.  If this is you, I tip my virtual hat off to you.  But if you're like us and this is a new concept then give a shout and start "wish-listing" at Amazon (or any place your little heart desires.  Pat's would be Cabela's or Food Network.  Period.). 

What kind of tips do you have to make this season easier on you and your family?  I'd love to read them!