I’ve just posted a new article on Examiner: Five Easy Steps to Simplify the Holidays and Have a Merry Christmas.
As you can probably tell, I’ve been feeling a lot better lately so I’ve been able to get back in my writing groove. For the past few months, I’ve just been getting by with the work I absolutely had to do. But I’m so thankful to be doing better and having more mental and physical energy to do the things I enjoy online. 
Enjoy!
So glad to hear that you are feeling better, Sallie!
One way our family has simplified is to celebrate on St. Nicholas Eve (Dec. 5). We started this when my husband worked in a grocery store and life was just insanely busy the closer it got to Christmas day. We do not go crazy with gift giving, but draw names among ourselves. My husband and I gifted our married children with movie certificates and coupons for dinner out and picked out a few gifts for the grand children in line with their interests. For the children, it gives them more time to actually enjoy gifts than to have them all accumulate at one time in an overwhelming manner!
And, I sort of like St. Nicholas. We set out two pair of wooden shoes and fill them with candy.