Mental Prep for the Holidays
Mental prep for the holidays
It’s the week before Thanksgiving. I feel like a runner the night before a marathon, wondering what I can do now to make this completely overwhelming and impossible endeavor easier. Anyone else overwhelmed by the holidays?
Don’t get me wrong, I love Thanksgiving and the whole Christmas season. But let’s be honest for moms it’s a marathon. We’re the magic keepers. I mean no pressure, right? Just make sure everyone in your life is acknowledged with the appropriate level of gift. Something that will surprise and delight them. From your husband to the mailman, everyone must be appropriately acknowledged. As I type this a weight is forming on my chest. The weight of Christmas Expectation. Do you feel it?
So, what can I do now? What can I do to make this season easier for me so that I can actually enjoy it instead of stressing out?
Organize
This is not my strong suit. But make a list and stick to it. Know who you need to shop for and keep track of what’s been purchased, what’s been delivered, if shipping and what’s been wrapped and set under the tree.
Minimize
Make a list of traditions that are important to you. Ask your husband and kids what traditions are important to them. Anything not mentioned gets cut. There are so many things that I have done in the past because I felt like I had to. I used to really enjoy getting a picture with Santa. When I had one child, I could put her in a dress and go to the mall on a random weekday, while school was in session and not wait in line. But now getting three kids dressed to go wait in line on a Saturday is a whole day production. So, I’m not doing that anymore. Weed out those things that aren’t important to you.
If it is important, then schedule it. Include any extended family that is around to increase the impact of the tradition. Then let the rest go.
Release the pressure
Yes, the magic is up to you. Yes, you have the power to make or break Christmas. But you aren’t a superhero. It will be magical even if the perfect toy isn’t there. I promise. Kids are resilient. Give them credit. Don’t stress yourself out if they decide two days before Christmas that they need the IT toy that no one can find anywhere. It’s okay. Even Santa needs a little lead time.
Remember when you are stressing out that the whole reason for Christmas is to celebrate Jesus coming to forgive us and bring us Grace. So why not give ourselves a little grace. Own it. Sit in it. Relax with your kids. Sing some Christmas carols. Have a Christmas cookie. It will be magical because of what it stands for.
