The dreaded 'C' and hyper kids!

Ok, so I know Christmas is magical, it's all so pretty and lovely, blah blah BUT in reality, a lot of families struggle at this time of year. One thing being -OVERWHELM.

So some of what I'm writing was included in this months first email... my excuse, why re-design the wheel and actually in the email I did tell ya I was going to expand haha.

Here goes: Christmas Overwhelm in more detail!

I totally have mixed opinions about Christmas, on one hand I love it, buying presents, seeing the lights, the songs, watching people enjoy gifts I've chosen for them. I mean I have ADHD so being let loose shopping for presents can be a total dopamine hit. However then comes along all the other struggles. The panic of overspending, too many lights and sounds giving me a migraine, missing loved ones... the list goes on and overwhelm surely does kick in.

Us as adults struggle so imagine what inside our little people's brains must be like! The way they show overwhelm will no doubt be different from us. You'll get the crying, the outbursts, the acting like a spoiled child. It can really ruin the magic of Christmas when you're trying to juggle it all.

The holiday season can be a magical time for children, filled with excitement and joy. However, it can also be overwhelming for them as they navigate through the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations. As parents, it is essential to support our children during this time to ensure they have a positive and memorable experience.

Establish a Routine: Maintaining a consistent routine during the holiday season can help children feel more grounded and secure. Ensure they have regular mealtimes, bedtimes, and playtime to provide stability amidst the chaos of Christmas activities.

Manage Expectations: Help your children manage their expectations around Christmas. Encourage them to understand that not everything they see in commercials or on social media is realistic. Focus on the true spirit of the holiday rather than material possessions.

Create Calm Spaces: Designate quiet areas in your home where children can retreat when they feel overwhelmed. Fill these spaces with comforting items like blankets, books, or soft lighting to help them relax and recharge.

Involve Them in Preparations: Engage your children in age-appropriate holiday preparations to make them feel included and valued. Whether it's decorating the tree, baking cookies, or wrapping gifts, involving them in these activities can create special memories and reduce stress.

Practice Gratitude ( there is a misconception about this being a 'woo woo' thing to do but in all honesty it's something I have focused on this year and it has made a huge difference!): Encourage your children to express gratitude for the blessings in their lives. Help them create a gratitude journal or simply take a few moments each day to reflect on the things they are thankful for. This practice can shift their focus from materialism to appreciation. By implementing these tips, you can support your children in navigating the Christmas season with less overwhelm and more joy. Remember that the holidays are about spending quality time with loved ones and creating lasting memories that your children will cherish for years to come.

Establish clear boundaries and expectations with your children regarding gift-giving and festivities. Encourage open communication about what is feasible and realistic in terms of presents and activities, preventing any unrealistic expectations that may lead to disappointment or frustration. Personally, I tell my girls that I give Santa the money that I can afford, he also gets their letters and photos and tries his best to make what he can. I do this so that if they get upset that another child got more or something they see as more valuable, I explain how families are all in different situations with money. Totally a personal choice but might be of help if you worry about children being upset that 'Santa only brought me this'.

It's essential to create a calm and peaceful environment at home during the festive season. This can include setting aside quiet time for both yourself and your children to unwind and relax amidst the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Additionally, practicing mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing exercises or meditation can help alleviate stress and anxiety. Remember... Worley has a complete underground world filled with these kind of activities so you don't have to think of them yourself. CLICK HERE

MOST IMPORTANTLY Remember to take care of yourself amidst the chaos of the season. Prioritize self-care practices such as adequate rest, healthy eating, and physical activity to ensure your well-being. By nurturing your own mental and emotional health, you'll be better equipped to handle the challenges that may arise during the holiday season.

... and just if yo missed the email with my favourite top tip - when your littles are asking for everything in the shop for Christmas... hand them your phone or give them a camera, take photos which you can then send to Santa for inspiration :p

Love Jodi and Worley x