I totally get the extra obligation aspect and don't much like it. It seems that every single group you're a part of wants to have an extra special shin-dig that's bigger and better than last year and it can get out of control in a big hurry. These extra activities and the built in deadline can cause crazy stress if you let it. But, I do enjoy the extra time we get to spend with family.
Whether it be the "holidays" or any of the other millions of things we can't control, it gets better once a person figures out what they have to do for themself in order to get through it. My plan, keep it simple, balanced and to scale. Say no, when you have to and remember, nothing is perfect; not even the best plan.
