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Ten things to remember to beat the Christmas Overwhelm

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Just when I think I am getting on top of the list of things I have to do, something else pops.

Our school year is finishing up with a zillion end of year events and celebrations, and just when I think I can see the light at the end of that tunnel, I remember that Christmas is only a couple of weeks away and I start to panic.

Some days I am not sure how I will make it to the end of the year without breaking something, or someone.

Most days I am just hanging on as best I can, trying to get through, but that’s not how I want this time of year to be.

I want so very much for the end of school and Christmas to be awesome, and amazing and special. I don’t want to just survive December… I want to enjoy it.

But I’m feeling overwhelmed, and tired, so very tired.

I need to stop for a moment and catch my breath.

I need to regroup and remember…

Ten things to remember when you are feeling overwhelmed by Christmas

  • Think about the things you really enjoy and do them – ditch as much of the rest as you can.

  • Remember that you can’t make everyone happy all of the time – a little disappointment is not the end of the world

  • Done is better than perfect – this applies to how clean your house is as well as how perfectly your presents are wrapped.

  • Homemade is good, but no stress is better – if you absolutely love baking go for it, if not, buy it.

  • Plan to make it as easy as you can – tell your kids how to say thank you when Great Aunty Flo gives them a pair of ugly socks, take a plate of food you know your picky eater will like, practice a polite alternative for your non-hugging child.

  • Downtime is important for everyone, don’t scrimp on it. And plan some time downtime for yourself… you are important too.

  • Get enough sleep, drink enough water, eat good food – these things seem so simple but I always seem to forget how important they are.

  • Go outside, breath some fresh air, feel the sunshine, look up at the stars…

  • Remember, it’s just a bad moment, or rough day, it doesn’t mean the whole of Christmas is ruined.

  • Take a moment to think about how lucky you are. Among all the busy and crazy, be thankful for the big things – a family that loves you, food on the table, a roof over your head – and be thankful for the little things – a quiet moment alone, a good meal, a smile.

    • Are you feeling a little overwhelmed by Christmas

    How do you manage to keep going?
    How do you find the joy among the tiredness?

    Read the comments or scroll down to add your own:

    1. Renee | About a Bugg says

      Loved this post Kate. It’s so easy to get swept away at this time of year; these are great tips!

    2. Betty says

      Thank you for sharing your tips with us!! This is oh so true at this time of the year:). I will try to do better for myself and as always be thankful for what I have and do!! May God bless you and your family.
      Happy Holidays:)>

    3. Vanessa Rowse says

      Such great advice. It’s been crazy stations here as my 40th is next week (party tomorrow night) so the usual Christmas stuff is competing with all the birthday biz. It’s been busy but I’m trying to keep calm and just keep checking things off my list. I too want to enjoy this season, not survive it, although sometimes that’s easier said than done!

    4. C.J. says

      Among other things, when I’m on the go & what not, I’ll just marvel at the sights & sounds of the season. Be it a Christmas light display, or seeing a young child hopping giddingly over something or someone, or the music that only comes once a year. Yeah, no Christmas is 100% smooth & perfect, but it is your Christmas to enjoy; take it one step at a time if you can, and it is what you make of it!

    5. Carolyn Bradley says

      Christmas for me means fun time with my family and friends, near or far away. Love knowing and seeing all children happy and safe. These to me are the true meaning of love this Christmas. Hope everyone is happy wherever you may be, God Bless.

    6. Susan Carraretto says

      I get so overwhelmed at this time of year. It’s so busy as a blogger and it makes it hard to get ready for Christmas.

    7. Cherie Bell says

      Thanks for the reminder.
      I would offer this advice to any mummy friend feeling stressed, but I would never tell myself these things.

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