Christmas is only a week away… are you ready? Are you stressed? Here are a few ideas to try.
I want you to try a new mindset – think about the holidays as if you are just making memories with your little’s.
When you think about it that way, doesn’t it just seem like a fun day spent together? When I think of Christmas in the way of gifts and get-togethers, I have to be honest my heart races a bit. There is a lot of hype around getting the right gifts, making the right food, decorating, looking good, and feeling judged all along the way. Fa la la la la la la la ugh!!!
Then there’s seeing family and friends that you haven’t seen for a while. You want to look put together and like you’re doing great in life, Right!!!
When I change my mindset to think its just a day of making memories with my kids and family, I suddenly feel more at ease. There’s not that pressure that comes with the holidays.
Now why is that? I know in my brain that it’s still Christmas. I know that I have to get all this stuff ready for the day, and in my case – days of celebrating with family. I think changing the mindset of holidays into memories makes it less pressure on me. If I just focus on my children and all the joy it brings them, then all the other stuff just falls into place.
Now the peer or self inflicted pressure of the holidays are another thing.
There is lots of pressure that you may not think about. Like eating all that delicious food, taking seconds, and drinking more than you need to. I am guilty of all of that. But I want you to know that just because someone says “Here have another” does not mean you need to do that. You can say no and not be offensive. Just simply say “maybe later” or “I’m good for now but thank you so much” and change the subject. Don’t let this throw you off track if you are working towards a goal of weight loss, or being sober. You know the next day will bring more shame on you. Just because it’s a celebration, don’t let that pressure you into making bad choices.
Over the river and through rush hour traffic to family Christmas we go!!! HEHE -Traveling for the holiday with kids?
One of my best tricks is to pack lots of books, and toys in the car for them to look at and play with. We once made it 24 hours in the truck to Colorado and back with only the last hour of the drive with electronics (with a 2 month old and 2 year old). It’s amazing what books and toys can do(I usually go to the dollar tree for a few new toys for long journeys, and give them to the kids at different times during the journey). I also bring sleeping bags, which they love to sleep in, and melatonin for when it’s time for bed and they are so wound up from the day they can’t even relax. Melatonin is a natural way to help them to calm down. I usually give them a warm bath, and melatonin at the same time, and this seems to help them to calm and finally fall asleep.
If you are traveling remember to pack the essential medications for the kiddos too. I always bring tylenol, ibuprofen, dramamine, and benadryl. You really do not want to panic in the middle of the night at your relatives when your little one has a high fever and you have to figure out where to buy some meds NOW! (been there, done that)
I can not stress this enough… take less and do a load of laundry before coming home.
Remember that when you are packing, usually there is a washer and dryer where you are going. This not only makes my life easier when I get home but also I am bringing a few outfits instead of hauling everything but the kitchen sink. I used to feel bad for doing laundry at someone else’s house, until I found out that it makes my life when I get home so much easier. No hard feelings now!!!
So one more thing – this article was to come out a few days ago. Instead of making myself crazy with so much going on. I decided that my calm for the kids and family holiday this weekend was a bigger priority. I want you to know that its OK to not have everything done.
Give yourself a break, scratch that a mental break!!!
Mental Health usually takes a huge hit during the holidays, with so much more depression and anxiety. There is help out there and if you need it please reach out for help! Give so much grace!!!
-Kristy