Don’t cry over spilled milk? That’s easier said than done during the holidays. Even the most calm, collected, and organized mom can get overwhelmed in the midst of Christmas chaos. Here are a few holiday survival tips to keep you as cool as a cucumber in December.
1. Don’t overdo it.
Elf on the shelf duties got you down? Take a page from my book. Our elf had to leave in mid-December for a week or so. He went to visit his cousin in Florida. He came back with a better attitude and a decent tan. Although, he does still likes to make messes around the house. I’m already constantly cleaning up after a toddler so what’s one more person, or elf, to pick up after anyway?
2. Ask for help.
I can do it all and so can you. But we don’t have to. I enlist my husband to help me decorate and my mother to help with cooking and I’m a much nicer person because of it. I even ask guests to bring a food item with them when they come over for a holiday meal. Just because we are Super Moms and we are highly capable of doing and being everything to everyone, doesn’t mean that can’t get some help.
3. Take time for you.
I know how it goes. Between buying gifts, decorating the house, cooking, baking, cleaning, dressing your family in their holiday best, sending Christmas cards, and attending parties, you don’t have much time for yourself. Make time. Have a leisurely coffee date with a friend, hire a babysitter so you can do some holiday shopping on your own, get a manicure, or arrange a couple of hours to take a long winter’s nap on a Sunday afternoon. Take care of you so you can take care of . . . everything else.
4. Stock up on holiday necessities.
Many moms get the privilege of hosting out-of-town guests over the holidays while also preparing to have the kids home from school for winter break. It’s amazing how much toilet paper, Kleenex, and paper towels a houseful of people can go through in only a matter of days. Make sure your household needs are covered by buying plenty of Cottonelle, Kleenex, Scott, and Viva products. You can never be too prepared!
5. Save money where you can.
It’s stressful knowing that you are overspending. The credit card bills that come after Christmas can cause a lot of tension headaches. In order to prevent this kind of stress, I clip coupons, scour the web for deals, and I try to shop at stores like Walmart where I know that I’m getting a great value with every purchase. I also use Ibotta, an app that allows you to unlock rebates on everyday items and gives you cash back on purchases.
Download the Ibotta app to unlock these rebates on your favorite Cottonelle, Kleenex, Scott and Viva products, available at Walmart.
- $1 off Cottonelle 12-ct or larger
- $1 off Scott 12-ct or larger
- $1 off Viva 6-ct or larger
- Buy two products and get an extra dollar back
You’re doing great, Mom, and I know your family appreciates your hard work, even if they don’t show it. I bet you can hardly wait to see their faces light up on Christmas morning! I am counting down the days as well. Xo, Jennifer
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
