We are a whirlwind of excitement around here. I think I still get as happy during the Christmas season as the kids do. We had our annual wine and cheese gathering with family on the weekend, the timing is always the weekend before Christmas, so it’s our informal kick off to the whole thing. It was a blast, and as my husband noted there’s something about being around family and celebrating that really puts us in the spirit of things.
He’s working this week so I have the kids home from school on my own. I’m not worried about passing the time, between crafts and baking and play dates we’ll be plenty busy.
Over the years, I have learned a few tricks about surviving the lack-of-routine and busy times that the next few days will bring, especially the Big Show on Christmas Day.
Here are a few of my tips that may help you as well!
Keep a bedtime routine
Let’s face it, this won’t happen every night. The night of your holiday party, or Christmas Day in our case, are write-offs for bedtime. But the rest of this week? No way. It’s business as usual when it comes to sleep for the kids. The more well-rested they are leading into the big day, the easier our lives will be.
Also, if you know the late night means a disaster the next day, clear your calendar and enjoy the evening! You know it’s coming, you might as well be prepared.
Eat healthy before the festivities
When we head to my parent’s place on Christmas Day with all of our family, it’s a very hectic time. We eat an earlier dinner now that we all have young children, but it’s hit and miss how much the kids will ultimately eat when we get there because they are just too excited.
We always make sure to eat a really good breakfast at home and lunch before we go to the family gathering. That way, if they are snacking on cookies and chips all afternoon, I at least know they started with a good foundation.
I always hope the kids eat well, but I never assume it anymore!
Take some quiet time together
These hours fly by, so make sure if you have a favourite movie or activity (like driving around the neighbourhood to see the lights) that you love doing together that you do it sooner rather than later. ‘We’ll do that tomorrow’ can quickly become never since we are all being pulled in so many directions. Plus, you’ll enjoy those memory making moments far more than the other items on your to-do list!
Bend the Rules (just a little)
I’m a stickler for the rules, usually, but when they asked for a chocolate treat this morning at 8:30, I caved and said ‘sure’ just because. When they wanted to stay up a bit later playing Go Fish last night, it was an easy decision, knowing that our morning was quiet today. For me, this is a time of year I try to ease up (just a little!) on some of the rules when possible. But choose your battles wisely. Some rules always need to apply!
Change it up
Pre-children, we ate our Christmas dinner quite late. When a few of us had little ones, and 4 pm became the ideal supper time, the family changed things around (rather easily) to accommodate that. Don’t be afraid to ask for some time shifts if it’s easier. Sitting to eat during a toddler’s witching hour is begging for disaster and no fun for anyone.
Know your Kids
Just because your sister’s kids can stay up until midnight, or don’t need a snack before dinner, doesn’t mean it applies to yours. You know your kids and when they are overstimulated or need quiet time (as examples). It’s certainly the case with mine. If we don’t give my eldest a little quiet time at some point, he will become a wreck. My youngest can’t stay up as late as the other kids so a quick snuggle means she’ll fall asleep happily and be well rested. Know these cues and give them the space and time they need.
Enjoy the Time
Maybe this is a given, but it’s so important to remember the spirit of the season and just enjoy your time together. The tantrums may happen, the kids will eat like crud some days, and they will end up over tired. Plan for that, know that it’s coming, and it will be a lot easier. Just enjoy it as much as you can!
Have any holiday survival tips of your own? Share them in the comments!
We do tree time with our twin 4 year olds. It’s a tradition I used to do with my family growing up – we put on christmas music (usually raffi’s christmas) and dance around the christmas tree, read two books and then they’re off to bed. Routine is great but knowing when to bend (so that everyone’s happier) is also great.
I love how attached the kids get to traditions!