Mums and Dads - make this Christmas merry

2 mins to read

Tanya Ryan-Segger shows mums and dads how a little forward planning can go a long way in combating Christmas stress.

The festive holiday period should be a happy and heart-warming time for families, but some find the pressures of the season overwhelming.

Stress associated with buying the latest gifts, spending long periods of time with the extended family, travelling with kids and over-indulgence can be a recipe for a not-so Merry Christmas. Yet all is not lost! By addressing a few common problems and with a little forward planning, you might just get the one gift money can’t buy this year – happy, quality family time.

Travel

At Christmas, a peak time for all modes of travel, getting to and from family and friends can be a nightmare. Simply being organised helps to make life easier (not to mention safer).

Arriving in one piece

Try to set up any trip with young children’s rest times in mind to decrease the risk of travel tantrums and to encourage sleep
Keep boredom at bay by taking age-appropriate toys and games to keep kids amused
Take regular breaks to refresh the mind and body during long car journeys
If travelling by road, try to avoid rush or peak times where possible
Keep a bag filled with healthy snacks, drinks and a change of clothes handy, to keep thirst and hunger at bay and remedy little accidents

Keep kids in check

It’s tough to set children’s expectations at Christmas, but for those old enough, try to communicate early on how much Santa can afford to spend on them each year.

Stretching family finances to buy the latest electronic gadget or shiny new bike might be tempting (what parent wants to see a disappointed face on Christmas Day?) but balance it with the thought of starting the New Year in debt.

If your child really has their heart set on something that is over your budget, speak to family or friends about pitching in to help ease the burden. Often family members are appreciative of guidance as choosing gifts for kids isn’t always easy.

Buying presents online or second hand can be an alternate way to save money. Just do a little homework to make sure what you are purchasing is in good working order before you part with any money.

For younger children, avoid focusing on the commercial aspects of Christmas and enjoy their limited expectations while it lasts. Try to instill the true spirit of the season by getting kids (big and small) involved with things like decorating the Christmas tree and making cards for family and friends.

Make the effort to go to Christmas carols, nativity plays (or preschool/school equivalents) or local light displays. Such experience is cheap and unlike most gifts, irreplaceable.

Sleep and stress management

As the holiday season coincides with one of the warmest times of year, children’s often fragile sleep schedules can be disrupted – which impacts the amount of down time adults get.

To help ease sleep challenges make sure your child’s resting environments are cool and dark (even if it’s light outside) and persist with normal sleep routines where possible.

Holding on to simple bedtime customs, even when away from home, can also help to smooth the way to fuss free settling for youngsters. The nightly practice of taking a shower or bath, brushing teeth, followed by a bedtime story, for example, is a good cue for sleep.

Although it’s the party season, older children and adults shouldn’t forget how important sleep is to wellbeing. For adults an average of around seven to eight hours of sleep per night is ideal.

Consistently failing to get enough sleep might not only make you tired and quick-tempered but it could heighten any stress and anxiety you may be feeling. But if sleep isn’t an issue and you still feel uptight over Christmas and New Year perhaps you need to consider alternative ways to relax.

Alternatives to help ease stress

Instigate a daily exercise regime (holidays don’t mean you have to give up being active!)
Take ten minutes each day for quiet time to reflect or meditate to de-clutter the mind and soothe the soul
Eat, drink and be merry, but remember that moderation is important as is setting a good example for your children.

Like any successful occasion, the key to a happy, harmonious festive season is planning. Try not to over commit yourself but be prepared for a bit of craziness, and importantly, enjoy the moment while it lasts as it only comes around once a year (phew!).