Over two weeks ago now I listened to the Rent soundtrack while driving home from an ice hockey tournament with my oldest daughter. Even though I haven’t listened to it since Thanksgiving, all of the songs are still in my head. That got me thinking about all the other things that get into my head that stay there.

What I listen to on the radio, what I watch on TV, what pops up on my computer and iPad, all have the power to influence me. Because of this, I try to be mindful of what I let in. At this time of year, it’s important for me to remember that my house, my tree, my dinner table, my family, and my life don’t need to look the way they do on television shows, advertisements, or social media.

I know what’s best for me. It has a lot to do with self-care and keeping my perfectionism in check. If I can keep those outside influences at bay over the next few weeks, I have a better chance at not running myself ragged and driving myself into the Christmas ‘cray-crays.’ Listening to 90’s rock opera? Fine. Being told that my house and everyone in it has to be trimmed to the nines? Not fine.