Having children is either beautiful or unbearable depending on when you choose to ask a possibly over-stressed mother, says Marla Ahlgrimm. This is especially true during holidays. Here, Ahlgrimm offers a few sage pieces of advice on how to manage stress and make it through a holiday, sanity intact.
Learn to say no.
According to Marla Ahlgrimm, women – especially mothers of children under 12 – tend to carry the world on their shoulders during special events. From picking the perfect Easter basket to bringing the best looking reindeer cookies to school, moms are pressured to fill all requests without question. But, is it really necessary? Probably not, says Ahlgrimm. Moms trying to make the holidays extra special for their kids aren’t doing the family any favors by being over-worked. Forget a few of the “special touches” and opt for a snuggle on the couch with a quick pack of (packaged) hot cocoa. It’s a memory that will last longer than any gift.
Over-indulge but only as long as it brings joy.
Marla Ahlgrimm understands that there is something exciting about doing it up for the holidays. She says it’s perfectly fine to go “all out,” but recommends stopping when it’s no longer fun.
Understand that holiday cheer isn’t for everyone.
The Grinch might have been on to something by locking himself away when the joy of the season became too much, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Keep in mind that it’s okay to pull back sometimes and celebrate in whatever ways feel right. If that means avoiding overzealous festivities, so be it.
Change it up.
Christmas and other winter holidays are the hardest on mothers, Marla Ahlgrimm suggests. Holidays are pushed onto consumers starting as early as Halloween (or even before) in some places. There’s only so much of Burl Ives’ holly jolly anything that a person can take without feeling trapped. Ahlgrimm suggest planning a new theme each year to keep it interesting. For a truly memorable experience, research holiday traditions from around the world and plan a celebration that doesn’t involve mistletoe or egg nog.
