Tis the season to be jolly . . . and stressed out! Today I have 10 Christmas Sanity Savers for Moms.
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So mom's even if you have lots of help with childcare, meals, parties, gift shopping and wrapping, it's a BUSY time!
10 Christmas Sanity Savers for Moms
Nothing can really make this stressful time easier, but there are a few things that can save a mom's sanity.
Keep a To-Do List on your phone
This is my favorite tip. This isn't new and you are probably already using the notepad on your phone. The reason I love using the notepad on my phone because it's always with me. (I did a whole post here about things to keep track of in the notepad on your phone.)
Say no to things that are less important
There are only so many hours in the day. With so many things fighting for your time and energy, you are going to have to prioritize where you spend said time and energy. Only you can decide which things are the most important to you and then you will have to let the rest of the things slide.
Gift Wrap Station
Something that makes wrapping the plethora of gifts easier is having a gift wrap station. For the past few years I have set up a spot in my house with all the things to wrap gifts.
This year I put up a folding table in my bedroom and covered it with a large tablecloth. (The tablecloth doubles as a hiding spot for gifts too.) Then I gathered gift wrap into a cute trash can, which btw has never been used for trash. I also gathered gift tags, ribbon, yard, twine, pens, scissors and tape into a wooden crate. Having all of the supplies in one spot makes this task SO MUCH EASIER! So now when I wrap gifts, everything I need is ready and availble.
Prioritize Self Care
I know I say this all the time, but YOU HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. It is even more important to do so during such a busy time. In order to keep shopping, baking, wrapping, and all of the jolly things that are so important during this time, you need to take care of yourself first. I recommend journaling, having quiet time, scripture study, light exercise and getting as much sunshine as possible. Those are all the things that keep me going!
Grocery Pick up or Delivery
Seriously, if you are not doing grocery pick up in your every day life, now is the time to try it. It is such a time saver! Ordering your groceries online is one of the best inventions in recent memory! I only wish they had it when my kids were little.
I'm sure you've heard of it, I've even talked about it several times. Download the app of your grocery store of choice. Then order all the things you need (after making a meal plan of course). Schedule a time to pick it up. Show up at the appointed time and they will load your groceries for you without you leaving your car. It's the best thing ever! They even offer grocery delivery for a small fee. In fact, while writing this post, I put in an order to be picked up later. Gotta love technology and how it helps make some things easier!
Get Enough Sleep
This could be listed as self care, but I thought it needed its own bullet point because it is SO important. Getting enough rest is so important. According to www.sleepfoundation.org, Sleep is an essential function that allows your body and mind to recharge, leaving you refreshed and alert when you wake up. Healthy sleep also helps the body remain healthy and stave off diseases. Without enough sleep, the brain cannot function properly. This can impair your abilities to concentrate, think clearly, and process memories.
Drink Lots of Water
This is another one that could be listed as self care but it's another that deserves its own bullet point.
There are many reasons to drink water that include - preventing headaches, hydrating your skin and organs, helping with your complexion, preventing headaches just to name a few. Every time one of my kids feels a little crummy the first thing I ask them is if they've drank any water. My mom still asks me if I've been drinking enough water. It's a easy thing to do, which also means it's an easy thing to forget. I like to carry a metal tumbler with a silicone straw every where I go to get my fluids in.
Keep Easy Gifts on Hand
Has someone ever stopped by your house with a gift and you didn't have one? Or your child needs to take a gift to an activity and you have no time to run to the store? Keep a few things on hand like nice smelling soap or lotion, small toys, and of course candy on hand to make last minute gifts easier.
Meal Plan with Easy Meals
Even though this is a busy season with a ton of activities, you still need to eat and you still need to feed your family.
Why not make it easier on yourself by meal planning with easy meals. Sausage Bake and good old Burgers and Tots are 2 of our family's favorite meals.
Give Yourself Grace
This one is probably the most important point on this entire list. No matter how hard you work during this time and at life in general, something is going to fall through the cracks. Chances are at some point you will disappoint someone, miss an appointment, have a messy house, and/or forget about that Christmas choir performance. Take a deep breath and give yourself lots of love and compassion. It's hard work making all of this Christmas magic happen!
Once again, the 10 Christmas Sanity Savers for Moms are:
- keep a to do list on your phone
- say no to things that are less important
- gift wrap station
- prioritize self care
- grocery pick up and/or delivery
- get enough sleep
- drink water while your busy running around
- keep easy gifts on hand
- meal plan with easy meals
- give yourself grace
Friends, use some or all of these 10 Christmas Sanity Savers for Moms to make your Christmas season a little less hectic.
