I used to be that person stressing until the last second....hoping that everything was just right. I made handmade gifts and homemade goodie for everyone of our families and friends.
After a while I noticed that some people didn't appreciate our gifts. To quote one person...."It's too bad they are so poor they can't give us gifts to equal our store bought gifts." My husband was furious when he overheard that comment. After we went home from the "Society Gathering" he told me that never again should I waste my talent and time on a bunch of people who didn't appreciate it. So, several people were removed from the list.
So now instead of giving to those people that didn't appreciate our gifts....we choose ornaments off Dream Trees and get gifts for the children who might not have a gift under the tree for Christmas.
It was the same with Christmas cards......each year we would send at least 75 cards......and receive cards from the same 25-30 people. So we decided that if we hadn't received a card for 2 years from somebody....off the list they went. Now we send 25-30 cards and receive 25-30 cards back.
The Christmas season is hard for me this year....my Dad passed away in June. I always made special goodies and bought him favorite candies for Christmas. I know I have to continue on with the holiday....but it is hard!