It CAN be done! 5 top tips for surviving a family Christmas

Last updated: 21/12/2016 13:34 by EmmaKelly to EmmaKelly's Blog
Filed under: MummyBloggers
 
I’m sure you’re all looking forward to celebrating Christmas just as much as I am.
 
That cozy feeling, the glittering lights on the tree, mince pies, that cheeky little Baileys you can sip before lunch (when else could get away with it?) and seeing the joy and delight on your children’s faces as they soak up the excitement and blessings that Christmas day brings.
 
It can, however, be exhausting and also get a little fraught.
 
Like when the little ones have become bored after 30 seconds of playing with a new toy and suddenly get interested in their sibling’s toy – cue the screaming and hair pulling.
 
 
Then Great Auntie Mavis gets too drunk and misses dinner and the hubby almost burns the turkey because he’s too busy cleaning up after the new puppy that your crazy cousin bought for your kids – without checking with you first.
 
Christmas can most definitely have its moments, both good and perhaps a little testing. So I thought I would share the things that I do in my home to try and make Christmas a little more easygoing for everyone involved – including me!
 
1. Plan ahead
This sounds obvious, but we’ve all been guilty of putting certain jobs back a little on the agenda because the idea of starting Christmas ‘too early’ can be exhausting in itself. I’m not saying you have to get the decorations up on the 2nd of November, but you can do a few things.
 
2. I code my wrapping paper
Yes, it’s very Monica-Geller-of-Friends but it really helps when you have more than one child. This Christmas, all my son’s presents are wrapped in Paw Patrol paper and my daughter’s in Shopkins paper. I use the large blue IKEA shopping bags to store them away up high. On Christmas Eve I just lift the bags down. The bags aren’t see-through so if the kids ask what’s in them, I just say it is old clothes for the charity shop. Hidden in plain sight.
 
 
3. I’ve a book for keeping track of presents
I wrap them immediately but it’s easy to forget what you’ve bought. Each present has a code I write on the wrapping like AJ1 or AC5 (Adam James, Present 1) or (Amelia Catherine, Present 5) and the name of the present is listed in the book.
 
4. On the day, keep breakfast simple
We used to have a fry up, and when the time came for Christmas dinner, we weren’t hungry enough. We now have smoked salmon bagels or kedgeree.
 
5. Try to take some time for yourselves
Either ask the grandparents to keep the kids for one hour, and go for a walk together or just park up in another room and watch a TV programme. I like to get an hour for a proper bubble bath and the other half likes an hour in his man cave to check on his brewing kit. Sad, but it makes us happy!

Wishing you all a very merry and hopefully stress-free Christmas.
 
Emma Kelly is a Belfast-based mum of two little ones, an English teacher by trade and a blogger at Amelia's Mum. Life is currently a happy juggle of nappies, toddler fun, constant dieting and the (more than) occasional glass of wine!
 
Déanta in Éirinn - Sheology
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