Top 11 Christmas Tips for Parents!

1)Focus on What's most Important

No time to write Christmas cards? Feeling anxious every time one drops on the mat? Ask yourself which are the most important people that need a card? - Maybe your old aunt who's not managed to master email? Try sending messages on social media or announce a donation to a charity. Without a doubt your friends will be grateful you're soothing their own guilt.

2) Drop High-Stress Rituals

The panto, ballet, elf on a shelf, grotto's, carol singing, Santa train, Christmas eve box, Santa letter, PNP video, home-made advent calendar... Do you feel frazzled just at the thought of them? If you're over-planned but struggling to deliver, make a switch. True, families thrive on traditions, but it's less about the event itself, which your kids may have outgrown, and more about time together. Drop expensive, high-stress rituals in favour of something simple. Or just the ones they really love. 

3) Be Satisfied with "Good Enough"

Ask, "If I don't do this, what will happen?". Don't always go for bigger and better. Does the tree have to be handpicked from an enchanted forest? Will it ruin Christmas day if you haven't got 7 types of veg? Think back to the most magic memories you have as a child and they will likely be based on more simple rituals. 

4) Remember to Have Fun!

Give yourself permission to reclaim a bit of festive fun + let go a little. At the same time as you're planning your party dress, don't forget to book your childcare. Booking a babysitter an hour earlier than you're out the door gives the kids time to settle and you time to get ready without someone calling for you. You can even book a babysitter for the morning after the night before + recover in peace...

5) Love your Lists

Getting things down on paper can really help you stay sane in the silly season. With everything on your plate it's easy to buy a gift twice or miss someone off your list. Even planning meals on paper can prevent you from buying enough food to last you til Easter. 

6) Delegate

You can't do everything so divide chores between your family and if you have visitors to share the burden, you can even delegate childcare to a babysitter so you have time to get those roots or nails done or just get the house or presents organised. 

7) Hold on to Everyday Routines

If the kids need downtime or you like to read for half an hour before bed, don't give that up in favour of yet another Christmas chore. If escaping on a date night with your partner keeps you sane... Keep it that way. Our everyday practises help calm and centre us.

8) Cut the Gift List

Rein in gift exchanges that have been outgrown or lost their meaning. Limit gifts to children only to organise a secret Santa for the wider family or friendship groups. Shop on the web and tie in with friends on 3 for 2's. If you want to hit the high street, book childcare so you can enjoy browsing and lunching without the whinging. 

9) Limit Travel if you can

No one likes long car journeys. If you have to see both yours and your partner's families and a plethora of relative to boot, why not arrange to see one set a few weeks before/after Christmas. It's really difficult for children to maintain first rate behaviour when doing the rounds of friends and relatives and not everyone remembers what it's like to have young children.

10) Don't be Afraid to Say no!

Relax by looking at what you can or can't do. Instead of having pre-Christmas drinks with every group of friends + work colleagues, how about pushing some back to the new year?  This gives you a little pick me up when the Christmas cheer has faded.

11) Make sure your fridge is working

You'll need a nice cold glass of win when it's all over and you're finally able to binge watch your box sets in peace. Bliss!

Post Reference - https://www.sitters.co.uk/blog/top-11-christmas-tips.aspx