You did it!  You survived another explosion of Halloween merriment!  Bleeping high-five!  But already, future festivities and holidays are looming like Halloween was only the pre-game and the main event is going to be ten times more intense.

Before you start putting together that Thanksgiving menu, cleaning the house, decorating for Thanksgiving then immediately undecorating to start decorating for Christmas or Hanukkah, let’s take a pause.

Yes, the children’s different school parties and activities might feel like they are pulling you in many different directions.

Yes, the relatives (on both sides) are already making drama, already making demands, already making you crazy and you still have weeks to go before the next round of “main events”.

Yes, there is lots to do to get ready.  I’m feeling stressed out writing this!

But, yes, your family and you all need a deep breath.

It’s funny, about two years ago, my oldest son seemed very intuitive.  As holiday preparations, cleaning, cooking and scurrying started to take over, he’d constantly interrupt me at a critical point……”Mommy?  Mommy?  Mommy!!”

“Yes!” I’d call out, almost in exasperation, feeling frantic, torn and behind.

“I love you.”

Dammit – he felt it again.  I needed a love break.

So take this weekend, cancel plans, hide away and take a family love break.  Whatever that means to your family.  For mine, it might be some movies and popcorn, but high on our list is going to be taking a deep breath before we settle in to the frantic of the next eight weeks.