Oh yuck. When I was much younger, I had to lie down every time somebody wanted to draw blood. I guess I got tougher over the years, but I do remember that sensation of little black spots in front of my eyes before I toppled. My list of things to do before Christmas has shortened as I have gotten older. I don't know if it's because I'm wiser, or just tireder, or a bit of both. I decorate the inside of the house a bit, put up a tree, go to the annual free Christmas concert at the local college, wrap presents, maybe bake some cookies, and that's about it. My shopping is usually done early, or online; I despise dealing with traffic and crowds in town this time of year. I no longer feel the urge to drive around and admire others' Christmas lights like I used to do, nor do I intend to check out the Christmas tree display fundraiser in Spokane. I haven't sent out Christmas cards for three years. I may or may not get around to it in January. By all means, give yourself a break, feel free to say "no" to a few people, and relax a bit.