A few months ago, I shared a post about my struggles dealing with the Holiday Blues, and I’m happy to report that this Christmas went much better. I kept the blues at away, and focused on what was truly important. I made extra time for my family, and I tried my best to alleviate some of my own holiday stresses too.
I spent lots of time baking cookies with my kids, and we all had fun delivering the homemade goodies to our Church, local business, and to the hospital too. We made the most out of the cookie delivery day, even though the weather was cold outside. The kids had fun riding in the bright red wagon at the hospital as we made our rounds with four big batches of cookies. This will definitely be a tradition for next year too.
I was going to scale back on the decorating, but my hubby had other plans. He wanted to decorate outdoors too, so we picked up a few new pieces. Decorating the indoors and the outdoors was really fun, and seeing all of the festive decorations cheered me up too. The kids loved the new decorations, and it helped get them in the holiday spirit too.
We spent more time together as a family. This year we took a Holiday Trolley ride to view the local Christmas lights. We also attended the local Christmas parade, even though it was cold and snowing. We enjoyed the activities so much that we plan on doing both of these activities next year too.
The kids and I attended the Christmas program at our Church, and we all enjoyed the program. Thade loved when they passed out bags of candy to all of the kiddos. I also attended a Women’s Christmas Gathering, with my Mom and dear friends, and the evening out was a blast.
The closer we got to Christmas, the stresses usually take over, but this year I did my best to keep them away. I spent afternoons making Handmade Christmas Cards, and time at the sewing machine making a few handmade gifts for under the tree.
I cut back on the Christmas shopping this year too, and focused on presents that would be loved, not just holiday filler. I truly believe that “less is more”, so I spent extra time clearing out a lot of the clutter in the living room and boy’s room too. I didn’t want to be too overwhelmed when the Christmas presents arrived this year.
Christmas dinner was different this year too. Instead of spending all day in the kitchen making Turkey with all of the trimmings, I opted for 2 crock pots filled with Homemade Turkey Soup and Chili. This simple meal left me more time to be the hostess, and it saved a bundle too.
We skipped the package Christmas pictures too, and instead I took pictures of the kiddos. Little did the kids know that these would become Christmas pictures, so they are actually smiling. This also saved a ton, usually it is $150+ 4 car trips in the freezing cold to get one picture taken because both of the kids are so upset, and well you get the picture. I printed my pictures locally, and I got a great deal at Walgreens on the prints too. I got 16 5x7s for just $16, and no screaming kids either!
This holiday season I focused on my family, and doing my best to create a happy atmosphere for visiting guests. When Christmas day arrived, we celebrated in the afternoon with our extended families, and we played Apples to Apples into the evening. We all had a relaxing Christmas, filled with plenty of food, fun, and lots of hugs too.
Taking the extra steps and planning ahead really helped me keep the Holiday Blues away, and I truly enjoyed the Holiday season this year. I am feeling much better, and dare I say optimistic about next Holiday Season.
That is terrific Nico! So glad things went well. Blessings!
Sounds like you had a great, less-stress Christmas. Great job, as always!
Great post Nicole! Ellie
That’s great! I totally agree that less is more. Our families and friends are really what it’s all about.
i love that you took cookies to the hospital. I know that was appreciated and it’s a great way to show the kids the meaning of holiday spirit.
I loved your follow up too Nico! The home pics of the kids are well worth it- I’ve been doing that every C-mas since Jake was born. And I get tons of compliments about the kids not being “posed” and stiff. Way to go!
Sorry about your gloomy Tuesday, was today better?? I got up my nerve and went back to our local MOMS group today. They were having an open house and there were scads of new moms there so I felt ok. My kiddos had a blast and I met a few nice girls. Proud of myself for taking the plunge and going to the unfamilar!!!
Nicole, can you email me? taylorfamily_4@yahoo.ca
I can’t seem to get the felt food patterns through to you.
Oops, nevermind…it just went through 🙂 . I sent it to the questions @ nico address.
Thanks Marva! I’m trying my best not to get down around the holidays, and I’m glad that this last Christmas went well. I get stressed out easily, but I’m hanging in there. Thanks for the support, dear friend 🙂
Thanks Susan! I know it can’t be stress free, but at least it can be a little less stressful 🙂 I really shifted my focus, and tried not to worry about all the presents. My worries often get the best of me, but I’m trying 🙂
Thanks Ellie! I hope to have more stress-less holidays in the future 🙂 That time of the year can be really hard for me, but I’m hanging in there 🙂
Thanks Mimi! Taking cookies was one of my favorite things to do too. The kiddos had fun, and it made us all happy. I hope to carry on the cookie tradition into next Christmas too.
I agree less is truly more, and friends and family are far more important than presents, and I hope that my kiddos learn that too 🙂
Thanks Nana! I thought this Christmas was great too, and less stressful for me as well. I’m glad that everyone liked the new meal, and had a good time too. I hope that next Christmas will be just as great! Big hugs 🙂
Thanks Heather! The holidays are always a tough time for me, but I’m really trying to make the best out of it 🙂 That is cool that you take your kiddos Christmas pictures too, that is really the way to go. Less stress on the kids, and Mommy too 🙂
Great job checking out your MOMS group too, it sounds like a lot of fun! I bet your boy’s had a blast too, Thade always wants to go to MOPS, but he is in school. Keep going and giving the group a try 🙂 I’ve got MOPS tomorrow, and I’m looking forward to the meeting. It is nice to get a little break, and spend some time with the girls too 🙂
This week has been super stressful, and I’m worn out by all of it. I hope that next week will be better 🙂 Sending big hugs your way!
Thanks Susan! I just love your felt foods, you are so creative! Thade really wants me to make a cupcake, but I’ll have to make two… Dylan will have to have one too 🙂 Thanks again for sending me the patterns, you are awesome!
Sorry to hear your week has been so stressful! I’m coming down with a sore throat-yuck! I’m very happy it’s Friday!!
Thanks Heather! Yay for Friday!!! I’m sorry that you are feeling icky, Thade is home sick today too. I’m ready for warmer days, and for everyone to feel better. Sending well wishes and big hugs your way!