ANNNNDDDD it’s December… The most wonderful time of the year. ERRR umm stressful!
The holiday season brings a blend of joy and stress, especially for parents. It’s a time filled with family gatherings and celebrations, but it can also feel overwhelming with shopping, meal prep, and school events. Then your normal events if you have kids, running them to their sports, activities, orthodontist appointments, winter sicknesses, dermatology appointments, homework, and so on.
Many parents feel the pressure as the tasks pile up. So how can we navigate the holiday hustle while making core memories with our kids and loved ones?
Embrace Simplification
The holidays do not have to be complicated. Simplifying tasks can ease some of the pressure. For instance, instead of decking every nook and cranny of your home, consider just decorating the living room or your front porch. This not only saves time but makes the space feel cozy.
Focus on a few special traditions that your family enjoys. Instead of hosting a large gathering with multiple courses, consider a potluck where each family member brings a dish. You could enjoy baking just one type of cookie together, like classic chocolate chip, instead of a dozen varieties. Quality over quantity is the key. By choosing fewer activities, you can truly treasure each moment.
Family enjoying holiday activities together
Set Realistic Expectations
Accepting that everything may not go perfectly is so important. The image of a flawless holiday often portrayed in movies is unrealistic. Having open discussions about expectations with your family can lighten the load. Ask your children what traditions they value the most. Is it the annual tree decorating or the night of holiday-themed movies?
By focusing on those cherished activities, you can relieve unnecessary stress. An interesting statistic shows that 80% of parents feel overwhelmed during the holidays. Instead, aim for memorable moments, even if they are not scripted perfectly.
Delegate Responsibilities
Do not hesitate to divide tasks among family members. Sharing duties not only reduces your workload but also introduces a sense of teamwork. For example, designate specific meals each night to different family members: your partner can cook dinner, while the kids can wrap gifts.
Encouraging children to participate in holiday preparations supports their skill development. Maybe it’s measuring ingredients or helping with decorations, these small tasks foster a sense of pride and connection.
Prioritize Self-Care
Your happiness matters just as much as your family’s. Carving out personal time during the busy holiday season is crucial. Simple self-care activities, such as enjoying a warm bath or spending quiet time with a book, can recharge your energy.
According to studies, parents who prioritize self-care report feeling less stressed and more emotionally available. Taking breaks can boost your mood, allowing you to engage with your family more joyfully. So remember, taking time for yourself is not selfish; it’s necessary.
Create Family Rituals
Establishing family rituals offers a comforting anchor during the frenetic holiday season. These rituals don’t have to be elaborate; they could be as simple as a Sunday cookie decorating session or picking a night for a holiday movie marathon.
Consider documenting your moments through photos or a family journal. Research indicates that families who regularly share experiences or document them together are more emotionally connected. These captured memories will remind you of the joy behind the chaos.
Mindfulness Moments
In the midst of holiday celebrations, it’s easy to overlook simple joys. Incorporating mindfulness can create a more soothing atmosphere. Set aside a few minutes each day to express gratitude. For example, at dinner, have each family member share one thing they appreciated that day.
This exercise helps everyone focus on positive experiences, promoting a sense of calm. Research shows that gratitude practices can lower stress levels, making the holiday season feel more enjoyable.
Plan Ahead
While spontaneity can be fun, a little planning can significantly reduce holiday stress. Creating a visual calendar with deadlines and events can help you keep track of essential tasks. This could include noting when to send out holiday cards or when to finish shopping, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
Planning ahead allows for smoother shopping and meaningful gatherings. Setting aside specific days for activities eases anxiety and allows you to enjoy every moment of the season.
Flexibility is Key
Finally, it’s important to maintain a flexible mindset. Holidays can be unpredictable. When things go off course, take a moment to breathe and remember that the essence of the season lies in connection and joy, not perfection.
Embrace change as it comes. If family plans shift, see it as an opportunity for unexpected fun. Who knows? A surprise game night or movie marathon could become a new family tradition.
Enjoying a Memorable Season
Parenting during the holidays can seem challenging and maybe even exhausting, but with the right approach, you can come out on the other side with some really amazing memories. Simplify tasks, manage expectations, and involve your family in the holiday planning.
Try to keep an open mind because it allows us to adapt and embrace the unexpected, maybe it’s a change in plans, everyone getting sick, or whatever life throughs at us. This flexibility can lead to delightful surprises and new traditions that enrich our holiday experience. So, grab a cup of hot chocolate, Irish coffee, mimosa, or a peppermint tea, put on your favorite ugly Christmas sweater, maybe a Hallmark movie, and celebrate the connections that make the holidays truly special, knowing that each moment is an opportunity to create joy and love within your family and community.
Nikki Lanigan
Nikki Lanigan is a yoga, HIIT, and Barre instructor, she is also a Holistic Health Coach through Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Nikki is trained in Yoga Shred, Yoga Psychology, meditation, chakra balancing, and EFT/Tapping. She has done trainings with Sadie Nardini and Ashley Turner. She got her 200 hour yoga teacher training in 2017 at the Carrie Treister School Of Yoga. Nikki takes a holistic view of health, helping her students and clients reach a place of self-love not just through movement, but with mindset and lifestyle guidance as well. Nikki is also show prep writer for The McVay Media Show Prep and host of the podcast Fit, Fun, and Frazzled. Connect with Nikki on Instagram. www.instagram.com/nikkilanigan.yogaandwellness www.instagram.com/fitfunandfrazzledpodcast
