I left the department store with my budget intact, but my Christmas spirit in shreds. It's time to take back the season, and to that end, I offer Dr. Sydney Smith's prescription for holiday cheer:

1) Tell your kids they can only ask Santa for one present. If that present is the hottest, hardest-to-come-by toy of the season, tell them they have to ask for a different one. Don't explain why, and if they whine about it, point out to them that Santa only brings toys to good children. Good children don't whine.

2) Avoid the malls. Shop online.

3) Don't knock yourself out trying to find that perfect gift. If nothing comes easily to mind, nothing will ever come to mind. Everyone likes food and drink, so send them something from Henry and David or Wine.com. Added bonus: You don't have to worry about gift wrapping or schlepping to the post office.

4) If you must go to the malls, go the second weekend after Thanksgiving. The stores are still amply stocked, the crowds aren't as bad as the weekend right after Thanksgiving, and the store clerks aren't yet at the end of their patience.

5) If you feel the urge to watch a holiday movie, watch
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, not
It's a Wonderful Life. Watch it and realize that the dysfunctional Griswold family is closer to reality than the Baileys. Closer to the reality for all families, not just your family.

6) Don't bake unless you really want to, and then just bake for your immediate family. Send everyone else something from Harry and David.

7) Reserve the last weekend before Christmas for yourself. Kick off your shoes, pull up a chair by the fire or the furnace vent, poor yourself a glass of wine, and relax. Christmas will come whether or not the gifts are wrapped, the cookies baked, or the cards are all sent. Just like the Christmas in
Whoville.

That's my plan this year, anyway. Now, if I could just think of a gift for my husband.
Maybe I could persuade his favorite radio host to return to the airwaves....