My to-do list tasks typically triple right about this time of year. On top of my usual, everyday mommy responsibilities, there are now presents to buy, postal deadlines to meet, a tree to trim and classroom treats to figure out.
The Christmas tunes already playing 24/7 in my car, at work and in the malls offer incessant reminders that there are greeting cards to be sent, stockings to be hung and halls to be decked. I’m already fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-frazzled. And it isn’t even December yet.
But I refuse to let madness interfere with merriment. As I endeavor each year, I’ll do what I can — especially for my three young daughters — to make the holidays more joyful and less stressful. Here are just a few ways I plan to survive the season:
>> Stick to a budget.
For me, Christmas debt is a new year don’t. I always make a list (and check it twice) of every single person for whom I’d like to buy a gift, set a realistic budget per person and use cash or my debit card for payments; never a credit card. How I’d love to spend extravagantly on loved ones, but that wouldn’t be financially responsible of me. Plus, I’ve found that frugality often leads to creativity, which can result in an even more personal and thoughtful gift.
>> Don’t overschedule.
Through the years as my family has grown, so have our seasonal activities. The holiday programs, piano recitals, parades and parties seem nonstop. I’ve learned that cramming too many events into a span of a few weeks can be taxing and bring out the Grinch in all of us. So for sanity’s sake, I try to limit family events to only what we would all love to do together.
>> Eat that (fill in the blank), and do not feel guilty about it.
Food is a big part of the season. I refuse to deprive myself of this joy. Of course, I’ll indulge responsibly and maybe make up for my feasting with a few extra laps around the mall while Christmas shopping.
>> Make “me time” a priority.
Sometimes stepping away from the frenzy, even for a moment — by reading a book, watching a favorite TV show, exercising, taking an extra-long shower or savoring some strips of bacon (see above) — is all that’s needed for me to recharge and refocus.
>> Live in the moment.
It’s easy amid the chaos to lose sight of what the holidays are all about. For me, it’s about being with family. It’s about enjoying quiet times with my husband. It’s about making memories with my daughters that I hope they’ll cherish forever.
I want to truly revel in these moments: Soak up the sights of the neighborhood Christmas lights. Appreciate a comforting mug of hot cocoa. Draw in that perfectly piney aroma of our tree. Listen to my daughters play Christmas classics on the piano. Feel the warmth of their hands in mine. Because there’s no better present — to myself and my family — than to be present.
“She Speaks” is a weekly column by the women writers of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Reach Zinaida Serrano at zserrano@staradvertiser.com.
