Keep Calm During The Holidays As A Parent

Holidays are so fun, joyful, and full of love and magic. HOWEVER, they can be so stressful. With all of the social expectations surrounding what you need to do as a parent to make your kids’ holidays special and magical, and can feel like you’re drowning in stress. My advice to this is to keep things simple. What do I mean by that?

Well, don’t say yes to every cookie exchange, holiday party, gift exchange, or decorating/craft get-together. Yes, it doesn’t feel good to turn something down. However, you need to reserve your peace and mental health in order to be present not only for your kids, but yourself and your family. People often spread themselves way too thin during the holidays, which leads to burnout, resentment, and frustration. This only makes the holidays for yourselves and kids LESS magical, because you can’t focus on just being together as a family.

Additionally, simplify gift-giving. Some people may not have this luxury, but if you are one who has family members that give your kids gifts, don’t give your kids a million presents. Stick to one or two small gifts, and maybe some stocking stuffers. Your kids don’t need all of these material items anyway, and it can help you to not have to think so much and prepare/spend money. In addition, your kids care WAY more about having you present, attentive, and engaged as opposed to what big dollar amount gift you gave them when they were five years old.

Obviously these tips won’t resolve all stress, however, my hope is that they can minimize stress and chaos in your lives and turn the focus of the holidays back towards the true meaning of them, whatever that means to you and your family and spiritual background. Good luck, and happy holidays!