A Merry Christmas for Mom
Somewhere back in the beginning of November, I was filled with excitement and hope about the holidays. I had visions of cookie baking, craft making, charity giving, Christmas shopping and attending so many “fun” events. Now in mid-December, my magical visions have turned into sacks of coal on my shoulders.
With all the responsibilities of regular life and motherhood, I haven’t had any time for baking those Pinterest perfect cookies, or making personalized ornaments. Christmas shopping is expensive and tedious, especially with cranky and over-tired toddlers. It's hard to fit those special events in, as we juggle chores, errands, and the birthday party flow. Needless to say, the feeling is overwhelming and a tad disappointing.
But as I sat this morning, making a list of all the things that still need to be done, I realized that I was the one putting pressure on myself. I was the one sucking the fun out of this magical time of year with all the expectations I put on myself.
So here’s what I decided to do to make it a Merry Christmas for us all.
1) Accept that sometimes imperfection is perfect. I’m already up to my neck in cooking, laundry, pre-school events and just life! So, I must accept that my house won’t be perfectly cleaned and reorganized in time for Christmas and I won’t be hand painting glass blown ornaments this year. But, I decorated the tree with my son and that was a perfect and precious moment, even in our imperfect apartment.
2) Just say no. While I want to take my kids to every festival, concert and Santa parade in town... it's hard making it out with two toddlers! Not to mention the dinner parties and night time events that sound fun in theory, but don't sit well with a one and three year old who would prefer to eat happy meals while watching Frozen. I’ve crossed several events off my calendar and feel the weight on my shoulders diminishing already.
3) Focus on thoughtful gifts. It’s so easy to get carried away in the materialism of the season. Starting with Black Friday, we are brainwashed to spend more than we need to. Our focus is driven away from giving in a meaningful way. Instead of buying useless, expensive gifts, I've decided to focus on sentimental ones that cost less, but will be treasured so much more.
4) Treat myself. Moms are so busy and focused on making Christmas merry for everyone else, that they forget to treat themselves. But the best gift you can give to your family this year is to be a happy, healthy and present mother, wife, sister or daughter. So, I’m going to make sure that I pencil in some time for self-love. For some that might mean a morning of sleeping in or a shopping trip all alone. For me it means some time to pamper myself and feel just as festive on the outside as I do on the inside :). (Hubby, please take note ;)).
I almost let the “curse of the over ambitious mom” ruin my Christmas, but caught myself just in time. I know that this year can be the best yet if I focus on what’s truly important … stress free, quality time with the ones I love most. Merry Christmas Mommies!
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© Nicola Rios Nogales and ispeakmom.com, 2016. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicola Rios Nogales and ispeakmom.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
