Parent Tips for Surviving the Holidays
It’s the holiday season, and anyone with small children knows that the holidays mean stress and exhaustion, and a whole lot of both. It’s easy to get caught up in the craziness and commotion. Believe me, I’ve been there. There was a time we made sure we didn’t miss a single party, had a party of our own, shopped for everyone under the sun and tried to get through the daily routine of normal life in the process. Between Christmas shopping, wrapping, school parties, concerts, pageants and more, even this mom starts to feel like the Grinch as Dec. 25 gets closer. Social media doesn’t help. Who has time to find a different location in the house every night for the Elf on the Shelf? And for the Pinterest moms who actually set a whole scene for him – seriously?! Honestly, it’s too much, and at times those things we think are expected often go unnoticed anyway, or could just be forgotten altogether. The truth is, the holidays don’t have to be stressful. You actually can sit back on the couch with your kids and enjoy Christmas movies. Yes, Virginia, you can enjoy the holidays! Just as long as you know how.
1. Forget the Rules. If you need to let your children have an extra hour of screen time so that you can wrap presents, go for it! The objective here is to keep your sanity and work the holidays to your advantage so that you can enjoy them. Of course, don’t let the homework slide, but as long as the mandatory things are taken care of, don’t sweat the rest.
2. Skip the Routine. Or at the very least, be flexible with it. Kids who are busy making lists for the Big Guy aren’t going to settle down at night like you wish they would. Truthfully, with so much extra stuff to do, no one is going to have a normal bedtime. Go with the flow! Missing a basketball practice or flute lesson isn’t the end of the world. When extra loved ones are around, let Grandmom read the bedtime story instead. Take the extra 5 minutes and pour yourself a glass of wine.
3. Lose the Mom/Dad Guilt. Need I remind you that everything you do pretty much on a daily basis is for them? If it’s easier to order pizza rather than spend three hours in the kitchen, do it! If you have to bring in something for the class party, buy it! You don’t have a full day to spend in the kitchen baking, so don’t pretend like you do. Last, while you want to get the kids everything on their lists, sometimes it just isn’t realistic. Maybe you can’t afford it, maybe you can’t find it or maybe the little voice inside your head is saying, “No way.” I promise you, they will survive without the $500 Apple watch they’ve been begging for. My 9-year-old is begging for a kitten. Last year she got the puppy she wanted. You have to draw the line somewhere!
4. Don’t break the bank. It’s easy to say this, I know. My guess is that one of the major things most people stress about over the holidays is money. There are a lot of people to buy for, I know. However, it isn’t worth maxing out your credit cards. Be creative – you have adorable kids, so use that to your advantage. Grandma and Grandpa would love a nice picture. Even better, let the kids make them something!
5. Don’t get lost in the crazy. When things are hectic and stressful, that is when the kids need us the most. We are their home base, their routine, their comfort zone, their normal. Take time to let them show you everything they made at school. Read some holiday books at bedtime. Show them that the holidays are so much more than just gifts. Your presence is what they need the most. So put down the phone and be in the moment with your children. They are only young once!
Christmas is my favorite time of year. That is because when I was growing up, it was everything I loved. My parents found a way every year to make it perfect. We always got everything on our lists, but I have to admit now that I’m older, my favorite memory is watching “Christmas Vacation” with my dad. He would belly laugh the whole way through, despite knowing every line before it was even said. He passed away eight years ago. While my husband and I make it a point every year to watch the movie, it just isn’t the same. I don’t remember the presents, but I will never forget the memories. Make memories with your kids this holiday season and enjoy the magic the season brings.
