The holidays are hands-down my favorite time of the year. And while it may be the busiest time of year, with the multiple holidays one right after the other, it is also a time of hope, love, and peace. It’s a time for family, the giving and receiving of gifts, and the sharing of time-honored traditions.
It is also a time when we can easily become overwhelmed with the challenges of work, shopping for gifts, and hosting holiday guests. This year has already been exceptionally challenging due to COVID-19. It feels like we've hit the wall in our personal marathon. Virtual school, working from home, Zoom meetings, and connecting virtually with family and friends have all been a huge learning curve.
To tell you a little bit about me, I am a stay at home boy mom, wife, and entrepreneur. I run my own media company and am co-owner of an online boutique. A typical day revolves around me caring for my 15-month-old Dawson while my 9-year-old, Lee attends virtual school. Naptime, meals, work calls, and virtual client meetings round out our daily routine. And once my husband comes home and our evening routine is complete, I can finally slip away to work in my home office.
That's why we really look forward to not having to stay on such a strict schedule during the holiday break. We love staying up late, watching movies, and just enjoying time reconnecting with each other. It's just all the additional activity and expectations leading up to the holidays that can overwhelm and distract us from the joy of the season.
I felt guilty trying to work during the day while both boys were home. I kept feeling like I should be investing my whole week with them enjoying family time. After all, isn't that why I started my own company? I wanted the flexibility to be the mama I wanted to be. I also felt like I wasn't staying on top of making sure the house was as clean as I wanted it to be. And there were times that we had to make some last-minute runs to the grocery store. Expectations will get the best of you if you let them.
This year has also been an emotional roller coaster for me. It is the first series of holidays without my dad. My dad loved to eat and be surrounded by family and friends on Thanksgiving and Christmas was his most favorite holiday of all. So to honor his memory and be completely present with my family this year, I decided to use my secret weapon -- my To-Do List, to get myself on track, adjust my expectations, and get ready to celebrate the season.
By separating Work, Home, and Holiday tasks, I can see the big picture and know what still needs to be done without getting bogged down by too many details. It is important to not stress over one area at the expense of another. Having realistic expectations prepares you for the inevitable moment or two when life throws you a curveball. Stop, breathe, and count to 10. Or do as I do and enjoy a little wine time. Remember you are an awesome mom who loves her kids and family!
WORK
- Plan ahead for work if you are taking time off. For example, I plan to have all my client’s social media content scheduled out for the month instead of my normal week to week strategy.
- What can you do to prioritize work ahead of time?
- Are there tasks that you can delegate?
- Have you scheduled your vacation time, email autoresponder, vacation voicemail? This is especially important if you're self-employed.
- What will be waiting for your attention right after the holidays? Have a plan for when you return to work mode.
HOME
- A house with kids is never going to be as clean as you want it to be. Let that expectation go. Call in reinforcements, if necessary.
- Pack up extra toys and out of season clothes.
- Plan holiday meals ahead of time. Keep it simple by incorporating take-out with home-cooked.
- Any day can be Taco Tuesday, especially for the informal meals!
- Make your grocery list and shop early to avoid the crowds.
HOLIDAY
- Make a budget, make a list, and resolve to stick to it.
- Block out time for wrapping and delivering gifts.
- Check your tech before holiday gatherings, so devices are ready to connect those unable to gather during quarantine and capture holiday memories.
And last, but not least, give yourself some grace to enjoy the holidays and those kiddos. Don’t worry about the mess (at least try not to), cherish every moment that you can because after all, these are memories being made and time we will never get back.
