I know someone who lives "off the grid" and relies on two solar panels for all her electrical needs. November days are notoriously overcast, but last month was more so than usual, which means the collector�s batteries are lower than normal for this time of year. She and her husband are understandably concerned about their reserves and plan to be even more vigilant about their energy conservation.

Hearing this made me think about how my own personal power reserves are often running a bit low this time of year. With Thanksgiving a happy memory and the pre-Christmas rush in full swing, I�m already noticing a strain on my batteries. Just thinking about the things I should do, want to do, must do in the coming weeks makes tired.

Work and other daily demands compete with gift shopping plans. I�d love to wrap presents as soon as they�re purchased to get them out of sight, but what about the cards? I�m compelled to wait until they are all written (an individual note in most), addressed (labels are okay, I guess), stamped (with special seasonal stamps) and in the mail (they better not get lost) before worrying about wrapping. Consequently, many of my presents aren�t wrapped until Christmas Eve day, or sometimes, 2 a.m. Christmas morning.

I admire those of you who shop for Christmas all year long, a little at a time. I marvel at those of you who have your Christmas cards in the mail December 1. I envy those of you who get your decorations out in November and up the day after Thanksgiving. You are able to sit back to enjoy this season of warmth and cheer.

For many years I�ve told the world that I just can�t think about Christmas until after Thanksgiving. Yet retail stores keep pushing the start of the shopping season earlier and earlier and it�s hard to ignore. Skeletons and vampires one day, glittering packages and bows the next day. I mean, how can they expect me to buy candy canes when my child�s Halloween bowl is still full?

Despite my frustrations, I�m slowly learning that if I wait until turkey leftovers are put away before I plan my Christmas strategy, I�ll keep approaching December 25 with more dread than joy.

It seems like every year at this time I ask myself, "How will I possibly find time to do everything?" Even the fun and meaningful things--parties, decorating, celebrating Advent and preparing for the Christ child�s coming--mean that something else in my "normal" life must be dropped or deferred, delayed or dispensed with. To make room at the inn, someone must be told "no."

Some years I�ve done without cards. Other years I�ve abandoned the half-made gifts that seemed like a good idea when I started them months earlier. Most years, however, the person who is told "no" is me. As with most women, I will sacrifice sleep and sanity to make the holiday experience in my mind match the one my family experiences.

Part of the problem is that I set my sights too high. That wouldn�t be so bad, except that the other part of the problem is that I wait too long to act upon these great ideas. A month ago I thought about doing a family newsletter complete with scanned photos and pretty clip art. The thought was nice, but the reality is that it would take 20 hours to create and a dollar or more a piece to color copy, so, of course, I haven�t even started it yet.

I should know myself better by now.

There�s always next year. Right now, Christmas Day beckons with promise, like the Star of Bethlehem itself. When it arrives I�ll rest--physically and mentally--and recharge my batteries, like a solar collector on a hot July day. Until then, I�ll give as much as I can without depleting it all.