Have you ever watched a juggler perform?  The best jugglers can work with numerous balls being thrown in the air, and sometimes even balancing on a high wire or riding a unicycle at the same time!  But all it takes is a slight change in timing and the balls tumble down.  The best jugglers have been practicing their art for years, and even though they are nearly perfect in their performance, they can’t continue to juggle forever.

Do you ever feel like a performing artist trying to keep all of the balls in the air at the same time; home, work, family, friends?  Are you part of the sandwich generation working to take care of young children and older parents?  Or are you challenged by a full time career and a full time family?  Adding the stress of the holidays likely throws one more ball, or many balls, into your balancing act.

At a time of year that should be joyous, too many people are feeling frazzled.  This year instead of trying to balance all of the necessary tasks yourself, bring family and friends into your juggling act to help out.  First, what balls can you truly drop?  There may be some events that you can take off your calendar, or tasks that won’t be completed this holiday season and it won’t be noticeable to anyone but you. 

Secondly, what balls can you toss to a friend or family member to carry for you?   Can your family members help with wrapping presents?  Who cares if their wrapping job isn’t perfect?  The paper will end up in a pile on the floor anyway.

Do you love to decorate, but hate to bake; or vice versa?  Find a friend who has the opposite interests and exchange talents.  You decorate my house, and I will bake your cookies!  A little creative delegating can go a long ways to helping you perform a less stressful juggling act this holiday season.