Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, mom’s losing patience by the door. Yuletide carols being screamed by the kids, and folks dressed up like Eskimos . . . only to need to go to the bathroom five minutes later.
Ah, the holiday times! I find there are two camps of people. Those who love the hustle and bustle, and those who hate it. I subscribe to camp one, those who love the holiday times. I’ll start jamming out to Christmas tunes on November 1st and will continue listening until January 1st. If I had anything to say about it, our house would be adorned with Christmas decor October 31st after trick-or-treating, but my husband doesn’t quite share my crazy obsession affinity for the season.
Now, even though I love the holiday season, I still get stressed out. Throughout the years I’ve learned some tips to help me not lose my cool, and thought I’d share them with you!
One: It’s alright to say no
I have major FOMO. I want to do all.the.things. I want my kids to experience as much as possible. But you know what? Trying to do everything is way too stressful. And a stressful parent is not a fun parent to be around. Does that cookie decorating play date fall too close to nap time, just say no. Is that holiday party too close to bedtime for the kids? Don’t feel bad if you need to decline. Do you just need a night to Netflix and chill? That is a-O.K. I know that when I overbook myself I get frazzled, my temper is quick to flare up, and I snap too easily. I don’t want my kids’ memories of the holiday times to be those where I am unhappy and angry.
Two: Social media is only a snapshot
Those adorable family pictures where everyone is laughing in Christmas PJs on the bed or the one of the cute little newborn in a Santa hat with their head in their hands? That is only one picture of the hundreds taken. I can assure you that many of the other pictures include kids crying, mom giving “the look”, or dad just hanging his head in defeat. Also, more than likely, those amazing pictures were taken by a professional photographer. While I don’t mind sharing the chaos of life on Instagram, I know others work hard to show their best face. And that is totally cool, we just have to remind ourselves that behind every amazing photo, there is a mom(or dad) bribing his or her children.
Three: Ask for help
This can be so hard for me. I am a SAHM, and the family holiday lover, so I often feel I have to do it all. Then I end up staying up all hours of the night decorating cookies, cleaning the house, making a side dish, sewing dresses, the list goes on. That is craziness friends. No one should have to do it alone, and you should not feel bad asking for helping. Maybe it’s calling your mom and asking her to watch the kids for an hour or so, so you can have a little bit of peace and quiet. Or perhaps it’s asking your significant other to run the vacuum while you put the kids to bed. Whatever it is, asking for help is not a sign of weakness. You can only do so much before you burn out. And burn out is no fun.
Four: Things may not go as planned, and that is alright
So this may be more of a mindset than a tip and, if you ask my husband, this tip would be the pot calling the kettle black. I pretty much live by the plan, so this is a tip I am trying to get better about. I’ve been known to get a tad bent out of shape (and that’s putting it lightly) when things change. You can ask pretty much anyone who knows me, and they will agree, I have a Type A personality. So what do I do when something changes? I start by taking a deep breath, and repeat to myself it’s alright. Then I ask myself if this is something that is life alternating. More than likely no, it is not. Going to bed 30 minutes later is not the end of the world for my two and four year old. The tree looks like a haphazard mess? As long as the kids had fun, it will be fine.
Five: Remember the reason for the season
Sure the hustle and bustle can be fun, but that’s not what it’s all about. Being grateful for what we have, spending quality time with others, spreading joy. That’s what it is all about (at least for me). Maybe that means you invite your neighbors over to visit and have a glass of wine. Perhaps you pay it forward in some way.Or maybe you shut off all social media and watch It’s a Wonderful Life.Whatever is the case for you, be sure to schedule in some time to appreciate each other.
What about you? Do you have any tips to help you thrive during this busy holiday season?
