A “Good Enough” Christmas
As the festive season approaches, the air is filled with the scent of cinnamon, Christmas classics playing on the radio, and the silent panic that seems to accompany the thought of a perfect Christmas. So let's take a collective deep breath. This year, let's trade perfection for a "Good Enough" Christmas.
There is a truth about Christmas; it comes with so much expectation and all these different gimmicks and tasks, PLUS a lot of emotions. For children, it is exciting but also can be really overwhelming, and so the vision of happiness and laughter being the pay off for all our efforts, can be replaced with tears and tantrums which can be incredibly disappointing and frustrating. So what can we do to make the best of the Christmas season while removing some of the pressure?
Step 1: What’s your Christmas Fantasy?
First things first, let’s take a moment to lay out what your fantasy is. Where our expectations are a long way from the reality, it can be a recipe for frustration and disappointment. Taking a second to just acknowledge that the image we have in our head may not play out can be really helpful.
Step 2: What’s on your list?
Sometimes we can add so many things to our list, we can sap the joy from Christmas because we just drain our energy too much. Do you need to send all those Christmas cards? Do you need to agree to all those invitations? Family traditions that don’t actually serve you aren’t worth keeping! Plus, there are sooooo many gimmicks which are marketed at parents and just aren’t necessary (I don’t know how many parents have mentioned to me that they wish they hadn’t got an Elf on the Shelf!). Considering whether there is anything that could be dropped from your list to remove some stress can really pay off.
Step 3: How can you simplify your feast?
Christmas can often end up being about excess, but all that food takes hours to prepare, taking us away from time with loved ones. How can you share the load? Can you buy some things pre-prepared? Can you pare back the meal so that it is simpler and easier to get some time back and take the pressure off?
Step 4: How can you make time for yourself?
Christmas can be pretty intense; a lot of time indoors, and often spending more time than normal with different family members. Sometimes we can find ourselves feeling a bit overwhelmed, and it is beneficial to everyone if we can find a way to dissipate that energy. Consider whether you can nip out for a walk around the block. Pop upstairs for a bath, or a meditation; basically do something that is for you rather than everyone else.
Remember: You Are Enough
In the pursuit of the perfect Christmas, it's easy to forget the most important element – you. You are enough, and your efforts are more than sufficient. Embrace the imperfections, savor the small moments, and relish in the joy of being present with your loved ones. Your "Good Enough" Christmas is, in reality, perfect in its own beautifully imperfect way. We all have heard jokes about little kids being more excited by the wrapping paper or the box than the gift itself, so let’s not put so much pressure on ourselves because at the end of the day, our presence is the greatest gift in our children’s eyes.
So here's to a festive season filled with warmth, laughter, and the understanding that being a mum is demanding enough without the added pressure of perfection. Cheers to a "Good Enough" Christmas – because you've earned it.