First, I pace myself. Before Thanksgiving's leftover turkey has been eaten it's tempting to drag out all the decorations and kick off the festivities full swing...don't...just...don't. Pick one day to do the outside stuff, another day to do the tree and another day to decorate the house. Take little bites of it and you won't feel pressured or overwhelmed. I remember Mom baking hundreds of cookies on the same day we put up the tree. That's ridiculous! I make no less than 10 various cookies & candies for our family and neighbors each year.. I don't try to do it all on one day. I space it out over 2-3 days. I've done it all in one day before...I started around 10am and didn't finish until 3am. NO thank you. Besides, when you pace yourself you actually get to ENJOY it. Don't let something fun become a hassle.
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| This is less than 1/4 of what we made last year. |
Second, don't worry about what your friends are buying their kids. Don't over-spend just because someone else is. The truth is, your kid will remember the things you did with them (decorating, baking/candy making, caroling, etc) much more than they will remember the gifts they received. When we ask my son what he looks forward to the most, the gifts are usually the last item on the list. (If mentioned at all)
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| Little man helping decorate the Gingerbread Men! |
Third, REST. (See #1) Don't wear yourself down. Don't be afraid to take naps. Curl up with the family and watch a Christmas special. You'll be happier and less likely to get sick.
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| Sadie is very diligent about getting plenty of rest. |
Fourth, try to keep the house clean and decluttered. It's easy to let it go, and that only makes us more stressed when we don't have a decent work space or when we walk into a room full of clutter. So, while the cookies are in the oven run the vacuum, wash a few dishes or do a quick pick-up. Taking small bites at the household chores will keep the clutter at bay.
Finally, take help where you can get it. Pass off some of your chores or errands to other family members. Cash in free babysitting opportunities. Focus on easy meals: Crockpot dinners, casseroles or Kroger Skillet Meals. As a member of BzzAgent I received an entire meal FREE from Kroger and I was floored at how easy and tasty it was. We enjoyed a delicious Tuscan Penne Pasta, garden salad and garlic bread. BOOM dinner was ready in under 15 minutes and I was back to wrapping presents.
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