10 Tips for Staying Sane in December
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I know I am not the only mom who feels like the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are insane.
On top of the general busyness of the season, my girls have so many extra activities (school plays, parades, parties, etc.).
It’s enough to make a mom feel a little (or a lot) crazy.
While I haven’t perfected it yet, I have a few tips for staying sane in December based on what I have learned from my own holiday insanity experiences.
1. Look at Your Calendar
These last few weeks of 2021 are incredibly busy – especially for students.
Take out your calendar and make note of everything coming up over the next few weeks – class parties, dance recitals, and gift exchanges.
Then, set up calendar reminders on your phone so you aren’t rushing last minute for outfits or gifts.
2. Make a List and Check It Twice
I am a list maker, and the holiday season requires all the lists.
I write down everything I am responsible for – because if I don’t, I will forget it.
My list has everything from grocery store shopping to calling long-distance relatives.
Tip – I keep a notepad by my bed to jot down those “to-do’s” I suddenly remember as I am trying to go to sleep.
3. Take Care of Yourself
If mama isn’t happy, nobody’s happy.
That’s why it is so important for moms to take care of themselves during the holidays.
Don’t run on empty!
Make sure you are getting enough sleep and exercise.
Avoid overindulging in holiday food and drinks.
4. Say No
One of the hardest but most rewarding lessons I have learned is to say no.
Before I commit to something, I check my already full calendar.
Then, decide if I have time or desire to squeeze one more thing in.
If not, I say no.
5. Choose What Matters
It’s easy during the holidays to get caught up and take on more than you need to.
To avoid this issue, I try to choose what matters.
Are homemade baked goods wonderful? Yes. Will my kids survive if I buy something pre-made? Also, yes.
Does my family have to try out the latest cool thing or am I just trying to keep up with the Joneses?
Prioritize what matters the most to your family.
6. Practice Gratitude
The holiday blues are a real thing, affecting millions of women.
If you feel a little blue this Christmas, try practicing gratitude or doing something for others.
I always feel better when I make someone else smile, so I put extra effort into bringing smiles this time of year.
7. Outsource Holiday Tasks
If your holiday to-do list looks anything like mine, you need help.
There is no shame in outsourcing some of your holiday tasks.
If you would rather cuddle with your kids and watch a Christmas movie, then take advantage of grocery store delivery rather than shopping yourself.
Hire someone to wrap your presents or hang your outside lights.
8. Combine Activities
Again, your calendar likely doesn’t leave much space to do everything you want to do.
Look for opportunities to combine activities.
For example, if you and your spouse need some alone time, see if you combine date night with Christmas shopping for the family.
If you want to spend time together as a family, try to combine family time with time making gifts for others or volunteering.
9. Avoid Comparisons
Your kids won’t remember what their neighbor’s Christmases were like, but they will remember their own.
Stop comparing your holiday to someone else’s and celebrate your way.
Christmas isn’t a competition.
10. Embrace the Magic in the Ordinary
Lastly, try to remember that Christmas doesn’t have to be over-the-top to be wonderful.
Simple traditions, such as baking cookies for Santa and looking at Christmas lights, are the most memorable.
