5 Ways Moms Can Reduce Stress at Christmas Time

5 Ways Moms Can Reduce Stress at Christmas Time

We all hope for a picture-perfect Christmas. With our already overloaded, stressful schedules, our dream of providing the kind of Christmas we see on social media evaporates very quickly and our stress level elevates just at the thought of it.

One of the biggest stressors is the gifting of presents. At a very young age, most children learn to ask for presents. Soon they come to expect the newest and best, and we want to give them to our kids. And that’s when the tensions surface:

·      The gifts our children want are more than we can really afford.

·      What our child wants isn’t age appropriate or good for them.

·      Our child’s “Wish Lists” are becoming expected demands.

·      When they don’t get what they want they pout and complain.

·      After spending money and time wrapping the gifts there is no surprise. They already know what they’re getting and expect it and more.

All of these things above cause underlying extra stress that we don’t need.

Looking back on our own family Christmas time, we did not want our children to grow up entitled, expecting to get everything they wanted for Christmas, so we did away with “Santa’s Wish Lists.” This solved most of the problems noted above. As I reminisce though, I still had a strong desire to give to my children more than was probably healthy. 

A friend made a great suggestion the other day. Set a budget first, and then with that money, get each child three gifts:

·      A Need: One gift of a new sweatshirt or shoes.

·      A Want: This gift can come from a Wishlist as long as it is within the budget you have set. You choose the item and there will be a small element of anticipation.

·      A Surprise:  Something not on their “Wish List” that you think they might enjoy.

2. Another added stressor is “picky eating”. Spending time and money on food that is special for the Holiday Season just to hear “yuck!” or “I don’t like this” is discouraging and makes us not want to put forth the effort to make Christmas meals special. It may be too late for this Christmas, however make “eating well” part of your New Years Resolutions, can lessen your stress all year around. Check out the blog 10 Ways Moms Can Win the Battle With Picky Eaters.

Little boy wanting to spit out his food because he doesn’t like it.

3. Get enough sleep. Most children don’t like bedtime—and they find all kinds of ways to avoid going there. It’s an enemy of fun and freedom.

 Having a good bedtime routine for our children around the holidays will help with those tired whiny voices that can grate on your already frazzled nerves. There are some easy ways to manage bedtime chaos by providing a routine that calms your child and helps bridge the gap in their minds between “awake” (free & alive) and sleep (trapped & dead). No wonder they resist! See my blogpost on How to Turn Bedtime Bedlam into A Blessing for You and Your Children which gives you the tools to more peaceful evenings.

Decorating the Christmas tree together as a family.

4. Spend time together as a family preparing for Christmas. Let your children help you make some Christmas decorations. An easy one is dried sliced oranges or lemons used to make a beautiful natural table display with greenery. My favorite is to use dried orange slices as ornaments. If you hang them in front of a light on your tree, they actually glow.

Slice oranges about ¼” thick and place them on a cookie sheet in an oven heated to 325 degrees for about 20-30 minutes. Let cool and you are ready to decorate! Your children will love helping you do this.

Making Orange or Lemon ornaments with your children for arrangements or backlit on your tree to make them glow. 

5. Remember the real reason for the Season—Jesus’ Birth. Snuggling with your children on the sofa reading the story of our Savior’s Birth and the hope it gives, calms our hearts and theirs alike. Tell them about Jesus. Listen to Christmas Carols like “Silent Night” and “Away in a Manger.” Let the hope of Jesus permeate your heart and home.

Nativities remind us of the reason for the Season—Jesus’ Birth… it gives hope.

Take a deep and calming breath. Put aside the heartache, broken relationships, family you’ll be missing, and all the added stresses of life and in a quiet moment, bring them all to the Lord…in prayer. Lay your hurt at his feet. As you do this, you will notice your stress will evaporate and the Lord’s peace can reside in you and your home this Christmas season.