Feeling stressed just thinking about all the things that you need to accomplish over the next few weeks? You're certainly in good company. The holidays are a major source of stress for many people-and for good reason, too. But we have some tips to help you make the holidays harmonious.
Seasonal stressbusters
There's so much to do during the holiday season: there are cookies to bake, presents to wrap, and cards to pop in the mail. Add to that all the holiday social obligations -- office parties, school concerts, neighborhood skating parties and dinners with family members and friends -- and you've got the perfect recipe for frazzled nerves! While there's no easy way to eliminate all the stress of the holiday season, there's plenty you can do to make the holidays a lot more sane. Here are a few tips.
Keep your child's age and temperament in mind when you're planning your holiday schedule.
An easy-going baby who sleeps all the time may not be affected in the least by a late night out at a party, but a two year old who is used to going to bed at 7 pm may be thrown complete off track if she's up past her bedtime. If you know that your child isn't up to any late-night socializing, either leave her at home with a babysitter or stay at home with her yourself and send your regrets.
Don't schedule too many special events in a row.
If you hit the Santa Claus parade in the morning and the company children's party in the afternoon, your child will be too exhausted and cranky to have fun. It's better to miss out on a few holiday events than to end up with an exhausted child on your hands. Remember, it's quality -- not quantity -- that counts.
Try to ensure your child has the opportunity for some quiet time despite all the holiday chaos.
If you know you're in for a busy afternoon or evening, spend some time reading stories to her or watching a video with her in the morning. Similarly, if you've had a busy day, spend some quiet time together in the evening so that you can help her to unwind.
Remember that children need to be active.
A toddler who is confined to the car for a three-hour drive to Grandma's house can't be expected to walk in the door and sit quietly at the dinner table for the next hour. Either break up the car trip with a stopover at a park or arrive early enough at Grandma's to go for a walk around the block before it's time to sit down for dinner.
Keep an eye out for signs that your child is experiencing holiday burnout.
If your child seems to be unusually tired, cranky, teary or boisterous, it could be because she's overtired.
When the holidays are over, gradually ease your child back into her normal routines.
Your child may be hit with a bad case of post-holiday letdown syndrome if the fun comes to a grinding halt all at once!
