Even the most die-hard lovers of the holiday season would admit feeling stressed at some point at this time of year. Taking our already busy lives and adding an additional layer of shopping, parties, school performances, and food preparation often pushes us over from busyness (having a lot to do) into hurry (having too much to do). If we want to experience this time of year as the season of hope, peace, joy, and love that it was always meant to be, it's going to require us to take some steps to slow down, and become more present to those who are closest to us.