Mrs. Claus' 5-Minute Christmas Rescue Plan

Every North Pole operation needs an emergency plan.

Mine is very sophisticated.

It takes five minutes.

When the Village starts feeling too loud, too busy, too grumpy, or just plain too much, here is what I do:

First, stop adding things.

If everyone is overwhelmed, another activity is probably not the answer.

Second, check the basics.

Is somebody hungry? Thirsty? Cold? Tired? Does anyone need a few quiet minutes? You would be amazed how many North Pole emergencies can be solved with a snack and a comfortable chair.

Third, pick one tiny thing.

Put on one favorite song. Make cocoa. Read one short story. Turn on the Christmas lights and sit together for a minute.

Fourth, forget the schedule.

Five peaceful minutes together can be more memorable than an hour spent trying to force everyone through an activity nobody wants to do.

And finally, start again only if you want to.

That last part is important.

Sometimes the rescue plan becomes the whole plan.

Mrs. Claus

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