Yes, it’s a time to be merry – but, let’s be honest, it can get a bit fraught for mums. Here’s how to avoid a crisis in your family’s Christmas, as quoted from babyexpert.com.
Get realistic!
‘You may aspire to cooking everything from scratch and having a spotless house, but cutting a few corners will help save your sanity,’ says Jessica Chivers, author of Mothers Work! How to Get a Grip on Guilt and Make a Smooth Return to Work (£10.99, Hay House). ‘You simply can’t do everything to the very best of your ability. Besides, aiming for “good enough” can be liberating, giving you more time for the things you really want to get done.
Don’t over-spend
It’s easy to get carried away, buying lavish presents and expensive toys for kids, but as a recent study by Unicef revealed, it’s time with you, not expensive gifts, that makes kids happy. ‘A big haul of presents on Christmas day may seem like a lovely thing to give your children, but it’s the three months of stress as you worry about paying the bills that will have the bigger, negative impact,’ says Amanda Gummer. No Christmas is worth getting in debt, so make a budget and stick to it!
Have fun!
Don’t lose track of what’s really important about Christmas – getting together and having fun. ‘Games are great for getting the generations interacting,’ says Amanda. ‘Remember, they don’t have to be sedentary. Hide and seek gets everyone up and about, which kids love. And if they’re happy…’
Hold the chocolates!
Well, not completely, it is Christmas, after all! ‘It’s easy to over-indulge at Christmas, but eating well can help to keep your energy up at a time when you need it the most. Additionally, being sensible on Christmas Day will stop those feelings of guilt on Boxing Day,’ says nutritionist Charlotte
Get organised
If your head’s so full of jobs you don’t know what to do first, make a list, from household chores to ordering a turkey, and take one thing at a time. ‘My top tip for being organised all year round – and particularly at Christmas – is to use a week-to-view diary as a place to write to-do lists. That way, you can see what the week holds at a glance,’ suggests Jessica Chivers. Avoid stress-inducing last-minute present buying by starting early. ‘Or avoid the hassle of packed shops altogether by buying online,’ says Jessica.
Keep kids happy
It can be hard to achieve anything with little ones under your feet, so why not give them an early Christmas present (that doesn’t need your imput) to keep them occupied. ‘Christmas can be a very exciting time for children, so it’s important to let them have quiet time to recharge,’ says Amanda. ‘Christmas stories and jigsaw puzzles are a great way to keep kids occupied without getting them whipped up into a frenzy.’
Delegate!
Don’t be a mummy martyr and try to do everything on your own – ask for help, says Jessica. ‘Everyone has a better time when the jobs are shared out,’ she says. ‘No one wants to sit down to a meal where the host looks hacked-off and resentful that she’s done it all herself.’ Rather than give orders, have a calm chat with your other half about divvying up tasks. Do ask what everyone wants to do to pitch in rather than dictating. Or say, ‘Would you mind doing X, you do it so well.’
Keep the peace
So you and your sister are picking over old rows, and your mother-in-law is sharing her views on working mothers. ‘Christmas is one of the busiest times for counsellors, as the emotional fall-out takes its toll. But try not to rise to those flashpoints,’ says Amanda. ‘Have some tricks up your sleeve for defusing the annual family arguments. Count to 10 – it’s an oldy but goody, and it stops you retaliating with a comment that fuels the situation.’
Get outdoors
It can be hard to drag yourself outside when it’s so cosy indoors, but the fresh air and exercise can immediately help to reduce stress levels and clear away the Christmas cobwebs. ‘Go for a family walk,’ suggests Charlotte. ‘Or why not go for a short, brisk walk by yourself on Christmas evening to allow you some time away from the chaos and to ensure you don’t become overwhelmed. Wrap up well.’
Remember you!
It’s your break too – include a few things for yourself on any to-do lists. That might be getting out for a run or soaking quietly in the bath. ‘Avoid gift disappointment by giving hints and tips,’ suggests Jessica. ‘Going shopping together as a couple and pointing out things you’d love to get is like being a child all over again. Playful, romantic moments like this are a great way to kick off the festive season.’
