It really is the most magical time of the year. For the lucky among us who get to spend it with loved ones, and kids, the excitement is palpable. The wonderment at Santa coming, opening pressies and staying in your jammies all day. For parents, though, it can be exhausting and stressful too: combine very early wake-ups with present-buying, tipsy family members, over-tired kids, and hangovers.... oh, my.
So, here are a few easy ways to keep the magic of Christmas alive, and some short-cuts to help you do it and in the middle of gifts and food and plenty, remember to think of others, for whom the perfect gift might be something we take for granted
1. Ikea Flat-packers
Oh yes, I speak from experience. IKEA kitchen for kids, we're looking at you! Don't get me wrong; this is one of the best things I ever bought for my kids, but DO NOT start to assemble at 10pm, half-cut on Christmas Eve. Cue: 3am finish. There are people who excel at this job, and it costs less than your sanity, and a row with your other half at silly O'Clock.
3. Old movie time
I mean, if ever there was a time for watching movies and TV it's Christmas. Get stuck into Christmas movie watching and introduce your kids to the magic of nostalgic Christmas movies like '
It's a Wonderful Life,' '
Wizard of Oz' and
Home Alone. This will earn you some magical family time, and some well-needed distractions.
4. Squirrel away some goodies
Then, head into the bathroom, lock the door and enjoy the sugar rush and the delicious sound of silence. Food can act like a tranquiliser, remember, so when you want a little peace and quiet, break out the munchies. The miracle of a little something you enjoy never hurt anyone, right?
5. Get an Elf on the shelf
Keep the magic of Santa alive with the brilliant Elf on the Shelf idea. This American tradition keeps all kids in check in the lead up to Christmas. The mischievous and quirky elf has been sent from Santa to keep a watchful eye over you every night to make sure you're good. The aim is to move it slightly each night to keep it authentic, just as if he has left during the night to tell Santa if you've been naughty or nice! So much fun, keeping them happy, and you happy. Win-win.
6. Surround yourself with loved ones (if you can)
It's a time for family, in the end of the day, not just gifts and over-indulgence – take some proper time to reflect on your family and friends when you spend time with them this year – who knows how all your lives will change by next year. Try and take it all in, and process the real meaning of the festive period.
7. Keep the magic alive
For any Santa doubters, there's Dear Santa, a brilliant service that allows the real Santa to send a real letter to your little munchkin. The letter comes personally addressed to them, or try a more interactive experience with a video message or phone call from Santa, from
Portable North Pole.
8. Don’t forget the real meaning of Christmas
In the midst of the madness, spare a thought for those who have a completely different set of problems, beyond perfect presents and aperitifs. For many children, their Christmas wish is for the gift of sight. 80% of all blindness is avoidable. 90% of people who are blind live in developing countries. Children who are born with cataract must be operated on before they are 8-years-old or they may never regain their sight. Make a miracle, donate as little as €36 and you can give a life-changing, sight-saving operation.
Sightsavers are working to eliminate avoidable blindness in developing countries. 80% of all blindness is avoidable. 90% of people who are blind live in developing countries. This Christmas, they are asking you to support their make A Million Miracles journey. Children who are born with cataract must be operated on before they are 8-years-old or they may never regain their sight. Make a miracle, donate €36 and you can buy a lifechanging, sightsaving operation costs only €36.
Give the gift of sight this Christmas. sightsavers.ie/barakas-miracle-journey/
Baraka and his mum is © Sightsavers/Julia Gunther
Winesi seeing his grandson for first time is © Sightsavers/Rachel Palmer
