Stress-free Christmas
Stress-free Christmas is a dream that many mothers don’t know how to achieve. Here are some easy tips to follow to make this Christmas manageable and enjoyable.
Plan ahead
The importance of planning at stressful times of the year cannot be underestimated. Sit down and think about your goals for the holidays, write them down and carry them out step by step. Get the presents out of the way ASAP. Prepare the menu a few weeks before, so that you have the time to get the ingredients early. That will decrease the stress and rush in overcrowded shops. Decorate the house earlier, too. I, personally, put up the Christmas tree on December 1st. Plan your outfits as well, wash your dresses, sweaters and buy new pantyhose. Shine your shoes and deposit them in boxes, so they are ready.
Planning should also include calculating your approximate spending according to a set budget as money can be a huge stressor as well. Plan your expenses way before. I know people who start buying Christmas gifts in September. You can also buy some of the expensive Christmas meals’ ingredients in November.
Delegate
Involve your husband and the kids in Christmas preparations. You will feel relieved and they will feel included and engaged. Husbands usually don’t mind going shopping if they can rely on a shopping list. The children love decorating the tree and the house. If your kids (both boys and girls) are old enough, they can help you bake cookies or even prepare some of the Christmas dishes. That will take them away from the screens and will save you time. Making the Christmas feast a potluck can also save you some stress.
Maintain healthy habits
It is easy to forget about healthy habits during holidays even though they keep us sane. That is why you need to keep on track with exercise and healthy diet and encourage your loved ones to do the same. Just getting a short morning workout before everybody wakes up can make a big difference in maintaining higher energy levels and warding off stress. There are many wonderful winter activities that you can take up with your family members to make this Christmas more enjoyable.
Be realistic and keep perfectionism away
Try to keep your expectations realistic. Some things will not be perfect and some things will go wrong. You are not in competition to make the holidays perfect. You are to enjoy it, make your family enjoy it by offering them simple things, and most importantly, your focused presence and your time. The kids are not going to appreciate you running around trying to make everything perfect. They would much rather have you sing Christmas carols with them or play games. And this is what they are going to remember when they grow up. You have the power to make warm memories for them and for yourself.
Create relaxing mood and surroundings and take frequent breaks
Playing Christmas music, dimming the lights, lighting some candles and putting the Christmas tree on can create a positive mood both for you and your family. Spread blankets and pillows on the floor, so the kids can sit and play games, and stop the work from time to time to join them. It will warm your heart to see their eyes gleam with joy when you do so.
Don’t forget to carve out some ‘you time,’ too. Have a relaxing bath, a walk in the park or curl up in bed with a good book. That should lift up your spirits and keep you from feeling overworked.
Have a stress-free Christmas!
Stress-free Christmas