The festive season has officially arrived, which for many of us means one thing: we are officially overwhelmed. Because while this might be the season of joy and thanksgiving, it’s also the season of too much. Too much to do, too much expectation, and too much pressure,
So this year, how about simplifying Christmas?
We’ve put our heads together at Good People HQ to come up with a few ways that we - and our families and household staff - can take our foot off the gas and just let Christmas wash around us this year.
Make lists
The reason we feel overwhelmed in December is that there is a lot to do! So spend half an hour making a to-do list - seeing it all in front of you will be an instant relief. Then you can begin to tick off the things you can do immediately (buy gifts, reserve pantomime tickets, order a turkey, book babysitters for evenings you’ll be out, arrange teacher presents…). Set reminders on your phone for things you’re not able to do right away. The earlier you can start ticking items off your list, the sooner you can start to enjoy the festive season.
Make space for the magic
The beginning of December is a great time to clear some space for the excess that’s sure to come (even the simplest Christmas leads to excess). While the children are at school, go through their toys and set aside what they no longer play with to give to charity. Clear and organise the bookshelves and go through their wardrobes for clothes that no longer fit. Do the same in your own wardrobe and also your kitchen - what don’t you use regularly? Store it away. What do you need to reach for again and again over the next month (electric mixer anyone?!)? Keep it at arm’s reach. If your home feels calm and organised before the madness of the holidays begins, the holidays might not actually feel like “madness” at all.
Decorating should be a family affair
Don’t take the task of decorating your home or your tree upon yourself. If this isn’t already a family tradition in your home, it’s time you made it one: put up your tree on a Saturday morning, play your favourite Christmas music, and get the kids involved. Your decor might not look as perfect as it would if you did it yourself, but the joy you’ll feel as you welcome in the season together is what Christmas is all about.
Enjoy all the season has to offer
The festive season has officially arrived, which for many of us means one thing: we are officially overwhelmed. Because while this might be the season of joy and thanksgiving, it’s also the season of too much. Too much to do, too much expectation, and too much pressure. Cast your eyes up as you go about your busy day, and take in the magic against the winter sky - even if only for a moment. Let the children stop to take a picture next to the Christmas display at the mall - even if you’re in a hurry. The joy of the festive season is all around - you only need to let yourself notice it and enjoy it.
Limit and simplify presents
We love the formula that for Christmas children should get “something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read”. This covers all the important bases and helps limit the overwhelm of “stuff” on Christmas morning. When it comes to teacher, neighbour and family gifts, homemade is always appreciated. This might be something you need to add to your to-do list, but with a bit of planning you can get it done. Home-made fudge in a pretty tin is a wonderful gift (paired with a coffee shop gift card for teachers if you like to give a little something extra). You can make it in advance, package it up and wait until you’re ready to distribute it.
Remember, you don’t actually “make the magic happen” - they do.
So many parents and childcarers feel tremendous pressure to “make Christmas magical” for our children. Stop, take a breath, and consider this: it’s our children that make Christmas magical for us. All too often as adults, we get lost in the tasks of decorating the house, cooking the food, organising the gifts, and hosting the family - but if we pause for a moment to look at our children, these aren’t the things they focus on. The decorations in the supermarket delight them, the trees in the shop windows, the lights on the streets. The Santa in the town square and the Christmas carols they learn at school - these are the things that enchant them.
And that enchantment is contagious if you let it be.
Good People is a domestic staffing agency specialising in introducing high quality household assistance. We provide a simple, fast and professional service to recruit trained and vetted staff who match your family values. To discuss what we can do for you, or to join the Good People Club, get in touch today.
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