Surviving The Holidays

We are in the midst of one of my favorite times of year, but it can also be one of the most stressful. Here are some of my tips for surviving and thriving with preschoolers in this busy season.

1. Have realistic expectations about your decorations. As a mom of at least one preschooler, your house is not going to look like Martha Stewart’s house. Remember, she has a staff to do all of that for her. Besides the fact that she is not pregnant, nursing, or caring for a two-year old. If you have a young child who likes to grab, you may need to save your heirloom ornaments for another year so you are not upset if one gets broken. Your young children will not remember whether or not you had a fully decorated tree in each corner or not. They will remember new traditions you start with them about the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of spending time with family.


2. Speaking of spending time with family, this may well be the number one source of holiday stress. If you are spending time with relatives that you may not get along with very well it can create tension. My strategy is to allow myself down time whenever possible. Can you go for a walk, offer to help in the kitchen, lie down for a brief nap with your baby, or offer to run an errand? I find that if I have a little time to myself, then I am much more equipped to handle difficult situations.


3. Defend nap time and bed time no matter what. If your young child is accustomed to taking a nap every day, then do not expect them to be fine without it. I have carried my pack and play to more places than I can even remember. If you are spending an afternoon with friends or relatives, politely remind them that your child needs a two hour nap or they will be cranky. It will not do your or your child any good to be tired all day. I’ve been ridiculed for my adherence to nap time, but if my child is fussy all day, then I will be irritable, too. Also, put them to bed at a decent time. I have excused myself from many Christmas parties to put a baby to bed.


4. Make some time for yourself. I know it can be difficult to fit in one more thing this time of year and there always seems to be so much to do. However, still try to take care of yourself by exercising even if it is only 30 minutes. Go to bed a little early if you know you have a busy day coming up. Don’t try to do too much extra so you can enjoy yourself some. I need to have some alone time each day or I will get irritable, as evidenced by my Thanksgiving when I had people staying in my house Wednesday through Sunday. I try to go to bed a few minutes early to give myself some down time and quiet.


5. Make time for your husband. Christmas can seem like its all about family and your children. Try to take some time for just your husband whenever possible. My husband and I always go out for a quiet dinner, without children or place mats you can color, so we can reconnect and focus on each other. My husband and I also have a couple of movies that are a tradition for us to watch at Christmas time. We put our children to bed a little early so we can have a date night at home.


6. Listen to worship music and read the Bible. I have a play list that I listen to when I am under stress and need to have rest for my soul. One of my favorites is a CD of Psalms set to music. I listen to it while I work in the kitchen or when I am in the car traveling and it helps me to be calm. Do not neglect your quiet time with God. I admit, some of my Thanksgiving week would have gone smoother if I focused more on prayer and Bible study. I am committing to spending more time with the Lord these next few weeks to have peace and calmness in my holiday instead of just stress and busyness.


7. Enjoy it! Christmas with young children is simply magical. They get excited by the most simple things and serve as a great reminder to us adults who are not as easily impressed. I’m pretty sure I could simply have the Charlie Brown Christmas tree up and my children would be thrilled. Cherish each moment with your precious children because you will be making memories for years to come.


8. Your ideas???