MANAGING STRESS IN THE FESTIVE SEASON 2019

Breathe and slow down.

Schedule everything. Maybe not washroom breaks but know your schedule.

For school age children there are family and school events. Can you make them all?

Forget about the magazine images of the perfectly decorated home with children. Make it fun and include their art and creations.

Less is more. So put out the big decorations if there is little time or energy to put everything out.

Baking is great. But if little time for it, do the favourites and buy the rest.

Have a simple baking session with the children. Maybe their favourite cookie.

Yes remember to breathe.

Starting early is always better. But stuck for gifts. The wonderful modern gift cards or just plain money.

Find moments to sit by your Christmas tree. Listen to music. Watch a favourite movie with the family or alone.

For social events. Who does what? The Christmas Eve dinner. The Christmas dinner. The Boxing day dinner. Then go backwards to the end of November, beginning of December. Are there smaller get togethers that include friends and acquaintances. So there is not one big one with too much work.

Eating well. Watching alcohol intake. Exercise like walks in the snow or other outdoor winter activities.

Again that schedule. Once you know what's up then you can lay back and enjoy.

Shopping at stores or online can be managed well.

Have the parcels and cards ready to go early. Then mail on your scheduled times.

List of phone calls. Don't need to call on Christmas day. There are many days before and after to have a good chat.

Watch your mood. Christmas can remind us of those no longer with us. So is there a memory item to include in the home. For us it is red carnations. Remember it is okay to miss people and think about them.

Is there someone you can include in your activities? Is someone alone this Christmas?

If it is a festive season then go to festive things like the local parade, church, see the store windows and make your own family traditions. Bring some from childhood too.

Lastly, know what works for you. What do you need to stay happy and bright?

For me Christmas lights, poinsettas and watching children delight in the simple things of the season.
How about you? What keeps you festive?
#christmasseason#christmaslights#festiveactivities#scheduleeverything#includingothersinyouractivities#remembertostopandenjoythefestiveseason#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#watchingyourmoodduringthefestiveseason#lotsofchristmasactivities#cardsandparcelssentontime

FIVE WEEKS TO CHRISTMAS- HOW ARE OUR PREPARATIONS

Everyone has their own schedule about Christmas preparation. Mine is on track.
Parcels ready to be mailed end of November.
Letters to the troops sent day after Remembrance Day.
Misc. gift baskets and bags done.
Some items for immediate family.
I have to wait to see what the grandchildren want and need before finishing.
Easy to wrap those gifts.
Hauled my outdoor stuff out today. My display will be smaller this year. Just the little trees by the door, my lit candy canes and a  couple of string of lights. And I use a power bar for on and off.

Buying less goodies but there will be enough.

Lots of love and decorations. Maybe a trip to the Christmas Market again in Toronto.
How are your Christmas preparations going??
#christmaspreparations#gettingorganizedforChristmas#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#buyingforfamilyandfriends#beingorganizedatChristmas#familyislove#buyingforgranchildren

CHRISTMAS PREPARATION A LITTLE AT A TIME

So the outdoor Christmas lights are up. Not a great display but colourful. New prelit trees by the door. The old ones' lights died last year so new ones were needed.
I am trying to wrap as I buy. Why? If the grandchildren come over I have to try to hide the bags. So if wrapped then no need to hide. Besides blitz wrapping is a drag.
I want to enjoy the holiday season. For me this year to try to include as many out of the house social events. No matter how small or lame. I need to be out.

Family is the most important to me. So any time spent with family at events is important. Like a local parade.

So the preparation is moving slowly and methodically. I still have lots to do that is not Christmas.
How about you? How is your preparation going??
#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#christmaspreparation#familyisimportanttome#family#merrychristmassign#alittleatatime

CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS COULD USE SOME ELVES

Eleves would help with the work and stress of Christmas preparations. Often it is the mother that makes the magic of Christmas happen for her family. Over the years there are often suggestions of dividing the work. Remember the cookie drive! Have a group of friends and each of you make one kind of cookie or square but dozens then each swap with each other. Can you think of other ways to share the load? Have play days with a friend so that Mom can clean, shop, bake, wrap or whatever is needed? Use other family members to share some of the activities of Christmas with you! Spreading out the events in different houses shares the load! Back to planning and deciding what is really important for the season! Dragging children to shop at the Mall is not the best way to enjoy it! Think back of your childhood! Watching my mother make Christmas cake was one for me! Quiet times in the home! Ask your children and spouse what are the most important activities they want to do! Many young parents buy the gingerbread house items and make their own! Creating memories that are simple! So can you think of someone who could be your Elf? Remember Santa had lots of them- he does not do everything alone!