Christmas is rolling up, and so are the stress levels, but there are ways to decrease the stress and feel more relaxed leading up to Christmas.
1. Do less
We often set Christmas as an arbitrary date by which things need to be done. For each item on your 'to do' list, ask whether it really needs to be done by Christmas? Is it worth the stress? Are you the only one who will notice if it is not done, and if so, can you live with it?
2. Buy less, make more
Making things is a fun way to spend time together as a family. You are not only making things, you are making memories that your kids will treasure. I am sometimes surprised just how much these projects mean to my kids. My next door neighbour still proudly reminds my son that his homemade salt-dough ornament is on her tree again this year. Here are some ideas, but remember to keep it simple, this isn't about being best on Pinterest, it is about creating something genuine with your kids and having fun together.
Ideas (a simple google search will yield recipes and instructions):
Salt dough xmas tree decorations and candle holders
Table centre pieces (use a plastic plate, play dough to hold a candle in the middle then add tinsel etc, the more complex version uses plaster of paris to hold the candle).
Home made xmas cards, go the glitter-glue!
Home made gift tags made by cutting out sections of last years xmas cards
Home made bath bombs
Baking: cookies, rocky road, truffles, gingerbread shapes, fudge, etc
Homemade crackers: we make ours with toilet rolls and Xmas themed napkins. If you can't find poppers then just include the word bang (written out by your kids) in them, everyone will get into the spirit of it. Last year our homemade cracker-gifts were wooden clothes pegs, decorated with glitter and gems, and magnetic tape attached (for holding things on the fridge).
Your kids will come up with their own ideas (this year my son is making his Dad a model mountain bike track, I think paper mache and hot glue will be the go) and there are lots of ideas on family oriented websites like Kidspot.
3. Keep the meal simple, perhaps ask every person to pick their favourite dish. This makes a non-traditional Christmas meal that everyone in the family will enjoy and will likely ensure some great leftovers for a week of easy meals. Make as much ahead of time as possible.
4. Spread the tasks out and tackle one a day, including cards and gift wrapping. I set up a gift wrapping station on my sewing desk, leaving out tape, paper, scissors and gift tags. This enables me to wrap one or two presents a day and not be daunted by a big job at the last minute.
5. Schedule less.
You don't have to accept every invitation. Your kids don't need to see Santa arrive multiple times. They don't have to phone, write, visit and email him (one will be enough!) Try and leave the weekend before Christmas free for some staycation time, where you avoid the shops and the rush and enjoy each others company, winding down and ready to be relaxed for Christmas day.
Wishing you all a relaxed and affordable Christmas.
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