The holidays can be a stressful time in anyone's life—and especially for new parents. Here are some mom tips for having a fun holiday season while maintaining your energy and balance.
Tip #1: Find balance as a couple
Life has changed this year, and within your relationship your desires for celebration may be different! Before responding to the invitations you receive, talk about it as a couple. Make choices that you are both comfortable with and if one of you feels the need to do more, dare to do things separately! The arrival of a new baby is a great time to try to do things differently. As long as you both listen to your instincts and communicate your needs clearly, you will find balance!
Tip #2: Start the stopwatch
If you've decided to attend a few parties this year, you can decide together how much time you'll spend there, whether it's 30 minutes, 2 hours, or 5 hours. This will help avoid awkward conversations between you or your host and help manage everyone's expectations ahead of time.
Tip #3: Assess your energy level and own it
If you receive an invitation to a party you want to go to, but you know that it starts at a time when you will start to get tired, do not hesitate to propose a compromise that suits you better. For example, you could agree to come for the aperitif only, but pass on the meal and the festivities that follow. This way, you will not have the impression of having missed everything, but you will still preserve yourself!
Tip no. 4: Dare to say no and dare to change your mind!
This year, I encourage you to say NO, without guilt. If you know that your aunt had Covid earlier this week, if you feel exhausted or if you simply prefer to stay warm at home… This is the perfect time to put your needs (and those of your little family) before those of others. There may be disappointment, but it's just because you are loved! Dare to say no, or even change your mind after saying yes. No one will blame you for choosing your well-being this year.
Tip #5: Aim for just one thing a day
This tip is super helpful — even for parents in life in general throughout the year! Aim for just one plan, project, or activity per day. Yes, just one thing! This will keep you from feeling overwhelmed by the amount of things to accomplish and will give you free time to rest and spend time at home in your new little family cocoon. It will also punctuate active moments with passive moments… And I am convinced that you will enjoy going out even more!
Tip #6: Don't Entertain This Year
This is probably the most important piece of advice I can give you… This year, take a break if you’re still hosting! This isn’t the best time to add stress and preparation to your life. Like most new parents, you’re probably running low on energy… It’s much more strategic to be able to leave when you’re feeling tired… And if the holidays are at your house, it’s harder to retire to bed!
Tip #7: Talk Virus
Viruses have been a hot topic for several years now… But it is still relevant to clarify your needs, to protect your newborn! If you are attending end-of-year parties at your loved ones' house, dare to ask to be informed if one of the guests is sick. You will then be able to choose to put yourself at risk — or not. There is nothing worse than coming face to face with flu symptoms or gastroenteritis, when you are barely recovering from giving birth!
Tip #8: Take a nap
If you're planning on making a lengthy appearance at a family party, consider taking a nap before you leave... even if it means you'll be a little late! You'll feel more energized and ready to tackle the festivities if you're rested.
Tip #9 Manage gifts
To avoid putting pressure on your loved ones or ending up with a bunch of useless items after the holidays, you can share the essentials you need (e.g. a breast pump or a little therapeutic teddy bear ) with your loved ones. You can also suggest a gift exchange or experiences in lieu of things (e.g. a massage for you or an evening of babysitting!).
Tip #10 Accept Help
If you are offered help during the holidays, accept it — and even dare to ask for specific things! These kind offers are usually made with a genuine desire to help, but it is not always obvious to the people around you what could really make a difference in your daily life. Dare to say, “Oh yes, a small cooked meal would be so happy!” — or, “A one-hour break without baby to take a warm bath would be divine!”
So, what are your plans for the holidays? Share them with us, as well as the ways you’ve put your little family’s needs before everyone else’s this year!
