In the run-up to the Christmas holidays, it’s easy to get caught up in a frenetic whirlwind of activity. At our house that means school dance production rehearsals, Nativity plays, choir practice, dance exams, carol service in the local church as well as thinking about Christmas Day itself and all that entails. And yes, I’m busy with work too, in particular organising The Confident Mother virtual conference which opens on 12 January 2015.
Today I want to share with you my top tips on how to have a calm and frazzle free Christmas without spoiling the joy for your children. I already shared these tips with my mailing list, plus I gave an early Christmas gift. Did you miss out? Become an Inspiration Party Guests today and you won’t miss out on future offers.
Keep it simple
Don’t try and do too much. Keep it simple – whether that’s the food you prepare, the travel you do, or the gifts you buy. More than anything, children want you and your presence.
Look after yourself
Are you the default Christmas “organiser”? Do look after yourself. Take just 10 minutes every day to just “be” and not “do”. Go for a walk round the block, do some stretches, put on some happy music and do a dance – whatever works for you so that you take 10 minutes out. Looking after yourself is one of the best things you can do to reduce stress and miminise short tempers in the holiday season.
Focus on what is most important
Thinking about Christmas plans in the past, I often tried to do too much because I was trying to please everybody and not really thinking about what I wanted and what was important to me and my family. Do think about what is most important to you and your family and focus on that first.
It doesn’t need to be perfect
Ha! Those who know me well will realise that “perfectionist” is my middle name. However I have learned to accept my perfectionist tendencies and acknowledge that not everybody is a perfectionist. So yes that might mean the girls wrap the presents less perfectly, or the icing on the cake is not perfect, and the decorations on the Christmas tree are crowded round a certain height. It’s ok. It’s Christmas. Who will notice if it’s not perfect.
And if you do feel the stress levels rising, take time out. If it is something someone has said, bite your tongue. Hold that thought. Instead, have a cup of tea, or take a brisk walk round the block, or simply stop ‘doing’ and focus on being and breathing.
I do wish you and your family a calm and frazzle free time in the run-up to Christmas. Curious about the free gift worth £200 that I offered to my Inspiration Party Guests. Sign up today and you won’t miss out again.
What helps you to have a frazzle free Christmas? Please do share.
Thanks for your tips Sherry. Will try to remain calm and keep things simple!
Fabulous Nicole.
Great tips Sherry, it is so important to stay calm at this busy time of year, I am failing miserably at calmness at the moment as the countdown gets nearer to the big day and so much to do for work and family.
All will be well by Christmas eve when surrounded by family with glass of wine in hand but may evaporate by Christmas morning with 8 grandchildren let loose.
Oh my goodness, 8 grandchildren. Enjoy your Christmas Eve then.
It doesn’t have to be perfect is probably the one I struggle with the most as a self proclaimed perfectionist! The others on the list, do-able!
Imperfectly perfect is an expression I came across today – how does that fit with you Robyn?
Love this Sherry, and people do take things so seriously! Kevin and I lock the doors Christmas even and don’t resurface until boxing night. We do a phone call to family Christmas morning and then we shut the world right out. It’s absolute bliss. I’ve shared this post all over the place as people need to enjoy the holidays and forget perfection x
Fabulous Sarah – I’m so glad that I’m not the only one that likes to shut the world out. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Sherry, great post! We get so carried away with preparations that we forget the main point of it all which is to spend a happy time with our family ☺️ I love the suggestion about taking some ‘me’ time I never seem to have time for myself but as you said just taking a 10 mins makes all the difference… x
Thank you – glad you liked it. Just 10 minutes can make a big difference.
I’m sure your tips will be life-saving for busy families, Sherry. Thankfully, it’s been just my husband and me for the last few years. I’ve been part of the extended family ‘madness’ in the past and don’t want to do that again! 😉
Thanks Corinne. I hope you have a fabulous Christmas.