Momma on the East Coast: The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year?!

Momma on the East Coast: The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year?!: The holidays can prove stressful, not only for adults, but children too.      So here are some tips to help everyone enjoy this specia...

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year?!

The holidays can prove stressful, not only for adults, but children too.    So here are some tips to help everyone enjoy this special time of year…

Have “Stay at Home” Days.  It is a regular occurrence in our house for our son to announce it is a “Stay at Home Day” on a Saturday after a busy week.  I have learned to listen to his need for down time, which benefits us parents too.  There are loads of holiday events going on, but you don’t need to attend all of them!   Choose the events that are most meaningful to your family.  You also don’t need to be the last ones to leave a holiday gathering.  

Take Breaks.   There is a lot of hustle and bustle about this time of year.   Want to prevent a meltdown?  Take a break…a quick snack in a quiet corner somewhere (even in the car) can go a long way in managing sensory overload.   You can also take advantage of drop-off programs offered by your local community center, churches, and play centers.    Or trade off childcare with friends. 

Be Flexible.   Get rid of the “have tos”.   At the end of the day, does it really matter if you have a Santa photo with your child smiling?    I gave up on this years ago.   I would rather not stand in a line up with a bunch of overly excited kids and stressed out parents just to get the coveted Santa photo with my son becoming more and more sensory overloaded with each agonizing minute waiting for his turn.   This year we were lucky to go to breakfast with Santa at a local community center.  There were not a lot of people and our son did get a photo with Santa…however he made mommy stay in the picture with him.  It just makes it more special!    

And Last But Not Least…

Remember the Reason for the Season.   Whatever that means for you and your family.  For us, it means not just doing the required holiday visits, but being in the moment and appreciating the love around us.

Just breathe…and a glass of wine or an extra cookie never hurt anyone!   Happy holidays everyone!