The Thanksgiving + Christmas season is rapidly approaching, and I think it’s safe to say we all look forward to this time of year! The wonderful smells of delicious food cooking, the laughter of family + friends gathered around the table, the twinkling of Christmas lights as you drive down the streets…
But let’s be honest here…
It can likewise be a super stressful time because it’s also a condensed flurry of extra activities, and can quickly become a feeling of “hurry up and visit” before going to the next family gathering or get-together.
Loading and unloading the cars with gifts and food and checking our watch to be sure we get there on time(usually more like fashionably late) and making sure we don’t forget a kid when leaving Grandma’s house… it can really bring out the Grinch in even the best of us!
But is this something we really can avoid? It’s just part of the deal, right? I mean, after all, this is just what the holidays look like…right?
Here are some simple tips for getting through the season without pulling your hair out, and actually soaking in the JOY of the season!
- Plan Ahead
Of course we all have good intentions and think we’re on top of all the happenings and remembering when we’re supposed to be where…
Between family gatherings, work parties, church pageants, Black Friday shopping excursions, going to see Christmas lights with the kids, and just all the things, our schedules can get rather full overnight!
If we’re not proactive with our planning, the entire holiday season will be over before you have time to sit down and even realize what just happened.
So before all the invitations start rolling in, and church pageant practices begin, take some time to sit down with your spouse and decide what is best for your family! Here are some things to consider:
- Do you have littles that need naps?
- How long do you plan to stay at each event?(if there are multiple events to attend one day)
- What will gifting look like? Individual gifts for each person? Family gifts? Just gifts for the kids?
- How much do we plan to spend this season? (YES, this is a definite MUST! Budgeting for extra expenses like this can make…or break…the bank!)
I would suggest having this conversation a week or two before Thanksgiving, considering it is usually the family gathering which ushers in the craziness of the holiday season!
Knowing what to expect, and holding each other accountable to what you agreed on, will make for a much more pleasant season of festivities!
- Learn to say “NO”
I know, I know! Nobody likes that word, especially when everyone is in a happy mood and planning parties and great outfits and all the things!
But hear me out…
Let’s be honest for just a moment and think back to years past and the memories you made from each of these seasons. What comes to mind? What are the things that mattered most to you?
I’ll bet it wasn’t the company work parties where Sally got so wasted she spilled her food down the front of her dress, and Joe forgot his speech?
If we truly think about it, there are some events that feel more like an obligation, and I’m here to remind you…We’re adults now! So we get to say No when we don’t want to do something!
Ok, I’m only half-kidding!
I know SOME events are “must attend”s, but most of the things we agree to or sign up for are completely voluntary! So let’s start with those!
Before agreeing to any event or program in which to involve yourself or your children, take some time to consider these questions:
- On a scale of 1-10, how important is this event to our family?
- Will this event or program schedule add more fun + joy to this season, or more stress + headache?
- Are we attending/being involved for the sake of fitting in/being accepted? (we have all been there!)
- How much will this cost me/us? And, is it worth that much?
No matter what the event is, you can use this simple pattern of questioning to determine whether you MUST attend everything you receive an invitation for! Another great aspect to include in that “planning ahead” discussion you have with your spouse!
- Prioritize Christmas morning at home!
I cannot stress this one enough! We all envision the magical Christmas mornings where our sleepy-eyed babies come clamoring down the stairs to discover what’s under the tree…. and then we rush them through it so we can hurry up and get dressed to make it to Grandma’s in time for Christmas breakfast!
STOP IT!
Seriously! For the love of all things good and holy, let your kids have Christmas morning at their own house in their jammies and slippers! Enjoy being a family on this special day! Trust me, you and your husband need this just as much as your kids do!
Extended family can wait, and they will understand! If not, they’ll get over it!
I know this may sound harsh, but when you got married, you and your spouse became your own family unit, and even more so when you add your precious children to that family. The people who live in your home should know that they matter most to you!
That’s not at all to say that Grandma and Papa don’t, but they certainly shouldn’t take precedent over your sacred family time! Thankfully, I grew up with this modeled for me, and thought that’s what everyone’s Christmases looked like!
As an adult, and especially when I became a mom and began chatting with other moms about their holiday plans, I quickly became aware that slow, calm, magical Christmas mornings are unknown in many households! It honestly broke my heart to hear!
I know I’m doing some serious meddling here, and this is just my opinion so you’re free to disagree! But I know from personal experience that prioritizing this special time can make the entire holiday so special, and here’s why:
Christmas Day is the whole reason for the entire season of celebrating, and it’s meant to be savored. To slow down and focus on what it is we’re actually celebrating! Amidst all the hustle and bustle, the real reason can easily be lost, especially for young children.
What are we celebrating?
The miraculous birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Who humbled Himself to come to this Earth by an immaculate virgin birth, be born in a lowly manager stall surrounded by dirty, smelly animals, unknown to all, but devoting His entire life to ministering and serving others, to finally die a cruel death on a criminal’s cross, shedding His own blood for the redemption of all mankind.
Do our kids know why we celebrate Christmas?
This is why we all must slow down and savor the calm and blessed morning of Christmas Day! Prioritize this morning above all else! Let Daddy take out the family Bible and read the Christmas story. Mama, plan a special Christmas breakfast and really put some love and thought into it.
Be sure to savor these moments and watch with twinkling eyes while your babies open their presents. Take lots of pictures. Let them love Christmas!
THESE are the memories that will last for your children, because things will be happening at a slower pace for them to actually take it all in. So, please, I beg you, give your family their Christmas morning back!
Ok, that’s enough meddling!
I know this post may have ruffled some feathers, but it truly comes from a heart of wanting to spare you unnecessary holiday stress, and help you remember to enjoy this special season!
What is your biggest stressor this season? What are you most dreading about the holidays? How can I help? I’d love to hear from you! Just drop a comment below!