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Family dynamics

25th Dec 2018

3 hacks all mums should know to make Christmas Day stress-free

Amy Nolan

Out and about? We're set for some VERY mixed today and on Christmas Eve

It’s a day for family, and relaxation and definitely no stress!

The most wonderful day of the year is finally upon us. While it can get a little hectic with the kid’s excitement and trying to get dinner sorted, we say embrace the madness!

Christmas doesn’t have to be picture perfect, it should just be a bit of fun.

If you do find yourself getting a little overwhelmed, however, we have three tips that might come in handy.

1) Forget about the “Christmas outfit” (if you want!)

A lot of people put quite an emphasis on what their kids should wear on Christmas Day and often there’s a new outfit bought specially for the occasion. If this is you and you’re all about it no problem, but don’t unnecessarily fret over trying to make everyone look picture “presentable”.  Particularly if you have Christmas in your own home, it’s not the end of the world if the kids Christmas outfits get stained or even if they just want to stay in their pyjamas.

Christmas is a wonderful time that totally encapsulates children’s innocence. It should be about the experience and having fun, not what they look like.

2) Put half of the kids new toys away

A lot of children get inundated with toys from generous relatives and that’s lovely but games, cuddly toys and other bits can amass quickly and cause clutter. Why not put half of their new toys away in the attic and bring them down halfway through the year as a treat? Children will get more value out of things and the house will be easier to keep tidy, it’s a win-win. It’s also a lovely idea to donate some bits.

3) Think of Christmas as the “anything goes” day! 

Embrace the mess for one day only. Crackers are for pulling (why bother waiting?), stains on the tablecloth will be inevitable and dirty dishes will stack up, but that’s what it’s all about. If the kids don’t want to eat their veg for one day, it’s not the end of the world.

Mums, have a great Christmas because you deserve it!