A Mother’s Guide to Actually Enjoying the Festive Season
Do mothers actually enjoy the festive season? Well, sort of. Mothers rush at this time of year. The “To Do” list starts, including additional buying, organizing, and cleaning of the house.
We automatically take onboard the expectations of what Christmas ‘should’ look like. While the pressure to create magical moments builds, we shove our own needs down the list. Until we start to fray. Feel exhausted. Drink too much. Get cranky. And resentful.
Sounds enjoyable? Hmm. Not so much.
So, how can mothers actually enjoy the festive season this year? Here’s a guide…
1. Don’t skip the basics
That means taking care of your sleep, exercise, nutrition, and stress management. Don’t skip your daily walk, forget to meditate, and let stress send you into a carbs spiral. Healthy basics will help keep you feeling energised.
2. Don’t confuse stress drinking with festive drinking
A few drinks with friends (and leaving it at that) is considered social drinking. Daily drinking to take the edge off stress is problematic. It’s common for women to drink more and more at this time of year because of increased demands.
Remember, alcohol makes anxiety and exhaustion worse. To feel more energised and present, consider giving up drinking for the festive season.
3. Take out the SHOULD
Who says we need to cook a turkey or make a Christmas pudding this year? The best, most relaxed family Christmas I ever had was enjoyed with sandwiches! I took all the SHOULD out of it and just relaxed. Plan the Christmas Day that suits you and your family.
4. Shop early
Get the presents shopping done well ahead of time and enlist your partner’s help. That way the task isn’t hanging over you as the shops start to get frantic.
5. Say No
Everyone will want to “catch up before Christmas”. Say No and protect your energy. A simple “That doesn’t work for us” is enough said.
6. Delegate tasks
Take certain tasks off your list. Delegate whatever you can to your partner or kids (if they’re old enough). That includes cleaning, gardening, preparing the house for guests, shopping, and cooking.
Make sure everyone knows what task has been assigned to them so you don’t end up nagging (that’s a drain on YOU!).
7. Make a list
Write down what you need to do and stick to the list. Remember, now is not the time to overload the list. Essential tasks only.
8. Protect your energy
If certain people or places drain your energy, avoid them. If your nervous system can’t take another trip to a shopping center – order online. If you’ve had a big day at work and you’re craving an early night, don’t go to an event.
9. Stock the freezer, fridge and pantry
You don’t want to be running to the shops every time a social event inevitably pops up at your place. Stock the freezer, fridge and pantry with the things you know you’ll need in December.
10. You don’t need to do All The Things
No need to make Christmas treats for the kid’s teachers. No need to make your own advent calendar, Christmas decorations or a month’s supply of shortbread. Ask yourself: Is this necessary? If not, don’t do it!
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