We're halfway through December and I can feel the stress of the holidays looming down on me. I told myself I would plan ahead, be ready-so I could relax and enjoy every moment with my boys...but alas, life happens and being prepared just didn't happen.
BUT, I'm still trying to be mindful this holiday season: to be in the moment with my children, to try not to let the stress overwhelm me and take away the enjoyment. Here are the 10 things I'm trying to do to keep the stress at bay this season:
BUT, I'm still trying to be mindful this holiday season: to be in the moment with my children, to try not to let the stress overwhelm me and take away the enjoyment. Here are the 10 things I'm trying to do to keep the stress at bay this season:
- Make a big pile of wrapping paper after opening gifts and have a wrapping paper ball fight. Savor the mess.
- Snuggle in for a nap with your kids. (I bet you could use one too!)
- Order out and have a picnic on the living room floor. No mess to cook or clean-throw it all away when you’re finished. Enjoy the break by giggling with your children.
- Cancel all your plans and either spend the whole day watching Christmas movies in your PJs.
- Take a break-get out of the house without your family. Meet a friend for coffee, a glass of wine, or take yourself for a pedicure. Enjoy the fact that no one is yelling, "mom!"
- Crank up the Christmas music and have a Karaoke contest or a caroling party.
- Go see the Christmas lights-and listen to your children describe them. There's nothing better than seeing the lights sparkle through the eyes of your children.
- Snuggle up with a cup of tea or cocoa and enjoy a book-try a real book not an e-reader.
- Turn off all electronics for a day: stash the cell phones, play board games, get out of the house and have some fun, cook together.
- Be grateful: Each night until the end of the year, take a moment to jot down three things that you appreciate.
