Ten things to remember to beat the Christmas Overwhelm

The holiday season can be an extra busy time of year and it’s easy for everyone to get overstimulated, cranky and tired – both kids and adults!

These ten simple tips can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed this Christmas and make it a peaceful and fun time for everyone.

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.

Things to Remember this Christmas Season.

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…

• 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.

• Do something that makes you smile, it could be as small as making your house smell like Christmas with these easy Christmas simmer pot recipes, or playing your favourite Christmas song on repeat.

• 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?