Holidays can be so wonderful!! I also know that they can be stressful and bring up hard emotions for people as well. I try to focus on all the good things and stay positive! It’s important to know we are all on this journey of life and none of us really know what tomorrow brings. This holiday season I had so many memories throughout the years pop into my mind. All great! I think it’s because the kids are getting older and we are way out of the baby season and full throttle into the magic, mystery and wonder that is Christmas, Santa, Rudolph, Elves, Frosty…
I have always loved Christmas and all that comes along with it. It was an interesting month juggling all that I did, but we made it! Bailey the pup always keeps it extra around these parts.
Now that I survived the hustle and bustle of the week prior, (moms of school aged kids, can I get an AMEN!?) I’ve had a few days to wind down, enjoy some quiet time with my little family, and even watch a Hallmark movie!!
We also decided to change things up and not travel all around on Christmas Day so I’m looking forward to some breakfast casseroles, a day in our pjs and really enjoying the day at home.
Some things that helped me get through the crazy lead up to Christmas…
It’s just a day. Make it your main goal to make memories of happiness and the true meaning of Christmas. Don’t try to get to everyone’s house on Christmas day; take time to enjoy different friends and family throughout the week. People need to understand it’s impossible to e-n-j-o-y if you’re stressed.
Communication. Talk to your family and friends about how to make it less stressful. Everyone is in a different stage of their lives. Some of us have little kids, some have grown kids, some are traveling…just talk it through and be open-minded!
Build in down time. We had some unexpected kid free time last weekend and it really helped break up the chaos. It was so nice to squeeze in extra date nights and alone time for Joe & I!
Let go of expectations. This seems to be a recurring theme in my world. The more I let go and let God, the better off I am. I used to try to control everything and have it all in my head exactly how something would play out, only to be mad, disappointed and upset that “it did not go the way I planned.” Newsflash–nothing goes the way you think it should, it goes the way God intends.
Include one or two old traditions, but make new ones too. I stopped putting pressure on myself to try and do a whole bucket list of things. Reality is, the kids get so much from outside activities, school, and us I don’t have to do it all. It’s refreshing! I have one thing scheduled for sure on our Christmas break and it’s lots of snuggling time!
Don’t try to be a Pinterest anything…just be present. Don’t get caught up in the illusion of perfect; I’ve talked about it so may times, but seriously. We all have our strengths and we all have our weaknesses. Don’t compare yourself and try to be something you’re not. Just do your best and have fun with whatever you chose to spend your time on.
When in doubt, always have an extra bottle of vino on hand! I don’t think this needs much explanation. But seriously, cheers to Christmas and all the fun that awaits!
