I know this sounds completely irrational, but this year it feels as though the holiday season is coming faster than ever. Maybe it's because the stores have been promoting holiday wrapping paper since before Halloween (thanks again for that induced panic attack Duane Reade!) or the fact that my inbox was flooded with a serious attack of Black Friday/ Shop Local Saturday/Cyber Monday/Extended-Cyber-Monday-into-Cyber-Tuesday promotions, but this year it feels like the holidays are on overdrive. I do love this time of year, and I think it's important to take the time to stop and smell the hot chocolate.

Here are a few ways I'm slowing down to enjoy the season:

- Keep a Running List. I love a good deal as much as the next person, but honestly, all those promotions can leave my head spinning! Instead, I like to keep a running list of fun, interesting things - some of which end up on Friday Finds! - that I think could make for great gifts. I might not even have anyone in mind for them, but I like to keep a list on my phone (for easy reference) of things that catch my eye throughout the year.

-Buy 'em As I See 'em. When I find something that would make the perfect gift, I grab it. There is no telling if it will still be available in the size, color, etc. I'll want or need when Christmas/birthdays/anniversaries roll around.

- Stock Up Early. I love me some holiday cards. Love Love Love. Last year I stocked up on holiday cards after Christmas when they were heavily discounted. Now, I'm all geared up for this year.

-Be Present. Whether it's whipping up a batch of holiday cookies or decorating the tree, I like focus on the task at hand. Sure, I'll take tons of photos but I'll wait to post them. I don't want to ruin a real moment, so that it can live online. Enjoy in real time!

-Give Yourself a Break. This one is the hardest, but I'm going to try my best not to get too caught up in the whirlwind of the season. It's a marathon, not a sprint.

-MC-