I am having a hard time this year as it is all just too manic for me. I really wanted an enjoyable season after the last 2 (DFIL died just over 2 years ago) and we are staying at home for the first time in quite a few years for a quiet one ourselves.
I am sure that, once we stop work and hunker down as our family of 3, we will actually enjoy it. But between work being very full on, a couple of (more extended family) unexpected funerals, DH doing a lot of travel (and I did a lot recently so that has wiped me out too), DD being extremely busy with school and other activities, my Mum recovering from an operation, me trying to get Cubs organized (I am the Section Leader, but I have effectively given up on another school-related committee that I am secretary to - I must get that back on track over the holidays) - I haven't got time to scratch. I was up until 2am last night, wrapping presents, as I have to bring most of them with me to the funeral tomorrow (in the car to discretely put into a wardrobe for the right time - we won't be down again before 25th).
I have to bake "candy cane cookies" between tonight and tomorrow night for DD's afterschool class on Wednesday (they are a big favourite with those and they have a small party this week for the last one before Christmas). We are not putting the tree up until next weekend, when it should slow down a little bit. And the Cubs Christmas party that morning should also help.
I have a cinnamon oil to change the bathroom diffuser - probably sometime this week (I don't want to overwhelm DH), and I intend doing a bowl of clove'd oranges some evening when I get a few minutes as the smell of that can really make a difference.
The other thing I like to do is hear music. I am going to a choral carol concert on next Monday at lunchtime, which will definitely help me. I find music, particularly choral music, can really make my spirits soar.