With less than a week to go to until Christmas, the days are more and more hectic. This will take a toll on you and your children, so how do you make it through with as few meltdowns as possible and your sanity intact?

Schedule down time – Because of strained relationships, to put it mildly, we do not do thing with my family. Over the years this has become an incredible blessing in our lives. Back when this relationship included us, all we did was run, and we never enjoyed the holidays. We went to my parents house Christmas Eve afternoon, to my Dad’s parents for Christmas Eve dinner, then off to church for the kids Christmas program. We usually arrived home between 9:00 and 9:30 PM. In the morning the kids were up early to open gifts, then I usually cooked a large breakfast for all of us. Christmas Day had us at my Mom’s brother’s house for lunch, then to my Dad’s sister’s house for dinner. In later years there was a hayride with Santa before going to my parents’ house. We learned to schedule a time to go back to our home and allow our kids to nap or just relax. If it meant that we weren’t at someone’s house for very long, that was fine.

Stretch out the holidays – Rather than trying to schedule so many things into a day or two, stretch it out a little bit. With so many things crammed into the two days that we had, we didn’t enjoy anything. All we did was run from one place to another. It’s OK if you don’t celebrate with everyone on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. With my in-laws being here last weekend, we got to start our holidays a little early and gradually “break Hannah in” on the excitement and how to handle them appropriately, along with dealing with the emotions. If you don’t meet someone and exchange gifts or spend time with them until New Year’s, it doesn’t diminish the spirit, and may make the other person happy as well. Chances are they are just as busy as you are.

Take care of yourself – In down time I talked about the kids needing down time, but we need it as well. My in-laws know how much I have been going through and how busy I am, and gave me a beautiful gift. I received vanilla scented bubble bath, lotion, a candle and wonderful thick towels, along with a verbal message to take care of myself. (Have I mentioned that I like my in-laws and they get it?) This will be put to good use over the next few days. I have some great instrumental holiday CDs, which I will play behind a locked door while soaking in a long bubble bath with this wonderful gift.

Give up perfection – As I’m typing this, there is an ad for the Martha Stewart TV show coming on. They’re talking about hand made gifts, candies, gingerbread houses, etc. Your home does not have to be Martha Stewart perfect. Take out food or store bought cookies will not diminish the meaning of the holidays. Just place them on a pretty tray and take the compliments that come with them. 

Don’t forget the routine and structure – Our kids needs routine and structure to feel safe. Big changes in the “norm” can throw them off. Sit down with them and explain what will happen over the next few days. If they are old enough to read, a written schedule of where you are going might be helpful. If they can’t read, try pictures of the houses you will be going to, or the people they will see.

Whatever you do, don’t forget to enjoy yourself. Your kids will treasure and remember the time spent with you more than they will remember the perfectly decorated gingerbread house.