Christmas craziness - Pregnancy

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Christmas craziness

Christmas

The countdown to Christmas has begun.

The official countdown to Christmas has begun and we all know that countdown is usually accompanied by a fair bit of holiday stress. I have to Christmas shop! What am I going to cook for Christmas dinner? I can’t afford this many presents! Where are the Christmas decorations stored?

On top of all of the normal Christmas craziness, you’re also pregnant or a new mother, which means you’re anticipating double the holiday stress. However, we at ThePregnancyNet don’t believe Christmas should be stressful and we certainly don’t think there should be any reason why you can’t enjoy every moment of your pregnancy or your baby’s first Christmas.

For this reason we’ve got a Christmas checklist and some tips to help you get organizedin the most relaxed, stress free way we know.

Christmas

Lists are your best friends!

Step 1: Make a plan. Write a couple of lists and then combine them into a grand master plan. Lists should include: who you have to buy presents for and any ideas you already have, a list of who you will be inviting to any holiday parties or dinners, a list of any holiday parties or dinners you have to attend, a list for decorating step by step (for example day 1: the Christmas tree, day 2: the outdoor lights, day 3: taking out the Christmas crockery….) and any other lists you know you will need. Then put them all into a Christmas folder so you don’t lose them and use them to make a December schedule. That way you can do all of your Christmas tasks day by day without overworking yourself.

Christmas Tip: Don’t plan too much for one day, because unexpected events can happen that you need to have time for and if you’re pregnant or a new mum you need to make time for a nap, you’re going to need it!

Step 2: Use your master plan. A lot of people make master plans and then put them aside, procrastinate and suddenly it’s the last minute and they have to do it all at once right in the middle of the Christmas rush. Tick it off on a daily basis and if you forgot something just add it on to a day you don’t have too much planned on yet. If necessary shift things around, just don’t procrastinate!

Christmas Tip: Plan to go Christmas shopping early, because the closer Christmas day gets the busier the shops get. As a pregnant woman or new mum you’re going to want to avoid those crowds, which are just a bit too crazy for you and your new baby or growing bump.

Christmas

Don’t try to plan a whole Christmas dinner on your own if you’re pregnant or a new mum.

Step 3: Plan Christmas dinner. Do this at least 2 weeks beforehand, that would be by December 11th. Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner or only making a dish or two for Christmas dinner at a friend or relative’s home, you need to plan what you’re going to make and what ingredients you will have to buy. We suggest buying the non-perishable ingredients ASAP so you know you have them and won’t have to hunt them down later on. As for the fresh ingredients, send your partner or a friend out to get them so you can avoid those holiday crowds.

Christmas Tip: Avoid hosting an entire Christmas dinner on your own this holiday season. Instead talk to your family and friends and explain that you would gladly host them at your home, but everyone needs to contribute a dish and help you out on the day. They will understand and everyone may like the arrangement so much that it becomes a Christmas tradition where everyone chips in each year.

Step 4. Wrap your presents. Everytime you buy or make a gift, wrap it up that very evening. It will save you having to face a pile of presents to wrap all at once. If you do a lot of gift shopping or making in one day write a list of what is for who (especially if you’ve got a serious case of pregnancy brain) and wrap two or three presents each day, you will soon get through all of them.

Christmas Tip:Worried about your budget this Christmas? Handmade gifts and novelty pieces from charity stores are great presents and they’re affordable. On top of that, if you’re stuck at home making your own gifts will give you something fun and distracting to do.

Christmas craziness

Have fun with your family!

Step 5: Spend time with your growing family. Even if you’re still waiting on the new addition to arrive, make time for your partner and your kids. Christmas is all about spending time with your loved ones and an hour a day of sharing holiday cheer with them wipes away every single one of your Christmas worries in seconds.

Extra Christmas Tips:

  • Ask for help when you need it.
  • Use the internet for Christmas shopping and easy DIY Christmas ideas.
  • If you feel tired, rest. Overworking yourself won’t help.
  • Work along to Christmas carols. You’ll forget you’re doing any kind of work and find yourself singing along. Your kids will love it too!
  • When putting your decorations away for next year, mark every box clearly and make a list of what is where and put it into your Christmas folder.
  • Smile. When you feel stressed out, take a deep breath, exhale and smile it will help to reduce your stress levels and give you a moment to remember Christmas is supposed to be fun!

We hope you have a very merry Christmas!

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