Holiday Tips for Stay-at-Home Moms

You love your children. You love your husband. You love being able to stay at home and take care of your family. However, it is no secret that staying at home isn’t all daytime television and chocolate bonbons. So, the holidays are drawing near which means your plate runneth over with shopping, decorating, baking, wrapping, partying, all while wearing a smile. Let’s not forget that if your kids are school-aged, they will be at home and you will now have the added task of “entertainer.” How can you get it all done, while staying sane?

If your kids are still young, and not yet in school, take advantage of the daycare at the gym. Exercising will help you feel better about yourself, help combat those extra holiday pounds, and give you more energy, all while giving you a much needed break.

Also, plan a day of running errands. This may sound like a lot of work with little ones, but just as we get bored when we’ve been “cooped up” too long, so do your little ones. So get out, enjoy the sunshine, and get some things accomplished. If it is a pretty day, don’t forget to incorporate a brisk walk outside for both of you. Vitamin D does a body good!

Entertaining school-aged children during winter break can prove to be a little more challenging. There are lots of Christmas Parades in the area that can be fun for the entire family. The Billy Graham Library is offering a live nativity scene and another fabulous holiday tradition, back by popular demand, is the ice skating rink uptown at the NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza.

While there are always extra demands on Mom, why not have your children help? The older kids can help you wrap presents, while younger kids can help make cookies in the kitchen. Be creative! Have your kids make a special ornament for grandma or write a letter to Santa. To help teach the true meaning of the season, have your kids go through their toys, and any gently-used toys can be left for Santa to pick up and give to children who are less fortunate. Pick a tag off of an angel tree, and shop for those who otherwise will not have a treat under the tree. This will help remind your kids just how lucky they are.

Here’s wishing you a very happy, sane, peaceful holiday season.

–Ginny