Staying sane during the holiday rush

The holiday season is fun-filled and magical, but it can also be hectic and stressful, especially when you have young children.  Social events, preparing your home, and keeping holiday traditions are fun, but they can fill up your calendar and “to do” list quickly.  And the other not-so-fun stuff, like meeting everyone’s expectations, staying within the family budget, and making sure that you don’t gain 20 lbs. can make you feel as if you might actually lose your mind.  Below are a few tips to help you and your family enjoy the holiday season and stay sane and healthy in the process.
 
Plan ahead:  Advanced planning can be the difference between enjoying the holiday season and turning into a complete stress case.  Little things like setting aside clothing you want your children to wear to holiday events ahead of time will ensure that everyone has a clean and complete outfit to wear to the school concert or family party.  The same holds true if you have been asked to bring your signature dish to the holiday potluck.  If it can be frozen, make it early in the month so you aren’t hurrying on the day of the gathering.  An added bonus is that you won’t come home to a mess in your kitchen.  If freezing isn’t an option, at least shop for and prep your ingredients as early as possible.  Last minute stress can take the joy out of even your favorite events.
 
Meal plan for every day meals:  You can’t control what you will be served at a holiday party, and constantly saying no to holiday treats can make you feel deprived.  Instead, control what you eat at home or at work to make sure you don’t gain too much weight over the holidays.  The easiest way to do this is by shopping for and preparing your meals ahead of time.  This might seem like adding more to your “to do” list, but it will actually save time and calories in the long run.  Soups, salads, fruit, nuts, and scrambled eggs can be prepared quickly and portioned out for breakfasts and lunches.  If you double your dinner entrees during November, you can freeze half for quick dinners during December.  Not only will you keep your calories in check, it will also give you extra time during the height of the holiday rush.
 
Communicate and negotiate:  Most young families have to attend more holiday events that they have time for. Sometimes, respectfully declining is just not an option.  This means late bedtimes, missed naps, cranky kids, and frustrated parents.  Don’t be afraid to arrive late to accommodate nap schedules or leave early so your kids can get to bed on time.  If you explain your family’s schedule to your host in advance, you will avoid unreasonable expectations and hurt feelings among family and friends.  Additionally, if your children are picky eaters and you know that a party you’re attending won’t offer food selections that they will enjoy, ask your hostess if you can contribute your children’s favorite dish.  If this isn’t possible, feed them ahead of time so they don’t get the hungry horrors during the get-together.
 
Stay within your holiday budget:  Gift giving is fun, but overspending is a huge cause of family stress.  Fortunately, keeping spending in-check can be relatively easy.  Many local organizations offer used toy sales in November and December.  These are great places to find gently used toys for your children.  Large items like play kitchens, dollhouses, play houses, tool benches, etc. can be purchased for a fraction of their original prices at these sales.  If you’re looking to save money on gifts for grandparents, why not have your child draw them a picture or write them a special note and frame it?  Most grandparents would prefer this to a material gift anyway, and it’s also a great way to teach your children how to give of themselves to those who mean the most to them.  Stay tuned to the December 1 installment of this blog for additional budget-friendly holiday gift ideas.
 
The true meaning of the holiday season is found with our families and friends.  Keeping this in mind, along with your sense of humor, will help you make great memories for yourself and for your children.

​Kelly McIntire is a children’s author who believes that magic and adventure should begin in childhood and last a lifetime.  Her books include Time Twistedand Adventures in Fairy Meadow.
Visit her website at www.kellymcintireonline.com for more information, or follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kellymcintirewriter/?ref=bookmarks.