Via Giphy
There is someone that makes sure the Christmas spirit remains magical. Without that important figure, this month could be just a regular boring extra month. I am not talking about Santa or Jesus (ahem, not getting involved in that…) I am talking about YOU the mom.
Yes, you. Who moves the freaking elf every night, who buys the decorations, who ensures everyone is happy, makes research about the gifts for all the family, buys the gifts for all the family, hides the gifts from all the family, who while everyone else goes to bed stays late at night baking cookies and/or wrapping gifts, who knows every single detail about the traditions in the family and makes sure that those keep going around, who replies to the thousand emails from school this month and keeps a calendar for the kids’ holiday school activities, all while planning and executing to perfection the family vacations, ensuring another memorable Christmas, even though you only get a mug for a gift.
Don’t get me wrong. We do enjoy doing some of those things actually. But sometimes we just end up burned out, carrying the whole December load on our shoulders. Repeat after me: moms aren’t responsible for everyone’s holiday happiness. Having said that let’s get down to business. There are things you can do to reduce the holiday momxiety and get to enjoy the holidays like any other member of the family. I am giving you 5 tips to maintain sanity during this time of the year.
1. Lists are your best friends.
You need to keep everything organized and the best thing is to write the crap down. From who do you need to buy gifts for, to the ingredients for the Christmas Eve dinner. There are free apps you can use or if you are old school like me, buy a notebook. Use also the calendar app on your phone. Use it even for the Elf! You will thank me later.
2. Keep your expectations up to your standards.
Celebrating the holidays shouldn’t be a competition. Some crafty moms make incredible handmade decorations. Others go to Target. Some send holiday cards starting November. Others just can send a tweet and call it a day. Do what you can! Period. One of the things I have realized in recent years is that the best memories especially around this time of the year are made from the unexpected and the imperfect. Do your best and this is enough.
3. Keep a budget.
Who are we kidding? Of course, we are going to spend more money this time of the year. However, you have to be careful because this is one of the big triggers for your anxiety monster to appear. If you keep it simple with a budget you won’t feel stressed out now or in January when the holiday blues hit and you are out of money. There are years when you can splurge and others when you have to be cautious. We all have been there. If you haven’t done a great job saving for this time of the year, take this experience and do it for the next. Work with what you have and you will be fine.
4. Be grateful
This is not a time to complain. We have had a couple of rough years, that’s for sure. But somehow we are still here. If we have learned something about the past two years is that we need to appreciate whatever we are surrounded with. And if it’s in your abilities you can use gratitude to also give during this time of the year. This is a perfect time to donate and/or volunteer, no need to post it online. Do it from your grateful heart and all the family will benefit.
5. Remember what you need and want. And say it!
Moms tend to forget about themselves usually. But this time of the year is like we put a cloak of invisibility for real. You need to be clear about what do you want and tell your family. I am not only talking about a gift (but yes, be clear plus you can also make a Santa list!) Do your best at getting everyone involved in holiday preparations. Delegate responsibilities. And take time to decompress. Put it in the calendar (remember the calendar?)
What do you think? Am I missing something? I want to hear your tips to keep the sanity around Christmas time!
Paola is the author of The Lake of Miracles/El Lago de Los Milagros, Shorty Tales (Cuentitos), and The Anxious Mom Manifesto: 18 Lessons to Control your Anxiety Monster. Find her books HERE.
Follow Paola @paobsur
