Minimize the Madness: Easy Ways to Beat the Holiday Frenzy
It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year…right?
Let’s face it, single motherhood is hard enough, but throw in the added pressures that come with the holiday season, and already stressful days suddenly become even more chaotic. But guess what, Mama, we understand exactly what you’re going through, and we want this season to be less about keeping up with the Joneses and more about making it a time of good cheer.
To help minimize the holiday madness and have some fun, we put together some ideas to make these next few months merry and bright:
Make gingerbread houses.
Have a tree-trimming party! Blast the holiday music, invite friends over, and let the fun begin!
Walk or drive through the neighborhood light displays. Don’t forget the hot chocolate!
Decorate your bedroom doors. Give the kids creative freedom!
Holiday movie night. Snuggle up in your PJs, pop some popcorn, and dim the lights. Take this a step further, and invite your friends to the party.
Make popcorn and cranberry garland.
Create red and green chains to hang on the tree or use as a Christmas countdown.
Go caroling - “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”
Make ornaments – simple ones or more elaborate ones. It’s all up to you!
It’s the season of giving. Donate gently used toys and clothes, or participate in a toy drop-off.
Send holiday cheer to soldiers stationed away from home.
Focus on the significance of Advent throughout December.
Cut paper snowflakes.
Visit a living nativity.
Check out holiday books from the library.
Build a fort and have a slumber party by your Christmas tree.
Hold a cookie swap.
Make personalized holiday cards.
Get the kids involved and volunteer together.
Create your own holiday scavenger hunt.
Leave your mail carrier a thank you note.
Got leftover wrapping paper tubes? Make a wall-mounted marble run!
Have a secret Santa gift exchange with your kiddos.
Find local holiday fun. (Tampa Bay Calendar)
Plug into your church!
We know this list isn’t reinventing the wheel, but we hope it’s a reminder that this time of the year can be full of good cheer that doesn’t break the bank or add to your full calendar.
Make Sweet Memories
Remember, Mama, the sweetest holiday memories are usually the ones that are the most simple. Don’t feel like you have to perform or make a big spectacle for your kids. All they want is YOU. They want you to be fully present, and laugh with them as you play games, and bake cookies. Yes, there will always be chaos in the home, especially around this time of year, but be intentional about finding those precious moments of stillness to look at your children smiling and capture that memory in your heart forever.
You’ve got this! Things may not look how you always thought they would, but now is a time to embrace this chapter of life and create new traditions you will cherish and recreate each year!
We hope you can reflect on the reason we celebrate this season and find peace in knowing that your heavenly Father loves you so much! We pray your spirit is renewed through that love and that you allow God to carry you through this holiday.