By: April Hernandez
Did you know that in the first year of their baby’s life the average mother will have washed, folded, and put away approximately 3000 tiny items of baby clothing. By year two she will have changed approximately 7,300 diapers. And we’ve all seen the mom that can prepare a family dinner, referee a sibling squabble, and answer a work call, all while having a baby attached to her hip.
I think it’s safe to say, mothers are the ultimate multitaskers of the world! Kissing boo boo’s, telling bedtime stories, and changing dirty diapers just become embedded in who we are, and we love every moment of it, wouldn’t change it for the world. With the holidays in full swing, the mom life has hit a whole new level of multitasking craziness. Class parties, plays, family gatherings, and the big Christmas shindig have all squeezed into an already packed schedule.
Amidst the chaos, how are you keeping your sanity intact? I’ll be honest, when it comes to the holidays, I am all but organized. Stress kicks in and holiday priorities take a back seat. I’m no professional when it comes to keeping myself inline during the Christmas season. I am more of the procrastinating, wait to the last minute on everything, then freak out to get it done on time type of mom, but it does get done.
By the time all the presents are unwrapped, I’m ready to pack up the Christmas tree and bring in the New Year with a cold one, strong one, or tall one, you get the picture. The holidays can be a crazy time for sure, but it’s important to make time for the traditions that make Christmas special.
Speaking of tradition, what are some of your families’ holiday rituals passed down through generations? Does the whole family gather at your grandparents’ house or does your mom recreate your great great grandmother’s beloved sweet potato casserole. Growing up, opening one gift on Christmas Eve was a family tradition of mine, that I have carried on to my children. Embracing these traditions not only keep us close to our roots and gives us a sense of nostalgia when reminiscing on our childhoods but also serves as a compelling reason to start your own family traditions if they are lacking.
Creating new traditions with my children is something I strive for each Christmas in my home. So far, baking Christmas cookies and watching Home Alone have stuck. Simplicity is key, there is not much to it, yet it is a time we all look forward to in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Traditions are about connection not chaos.
So, moms! Whether you are knee-deep in diaper duty, trying to create new traditions or keep old ones alive, remember to take a chill pill this season. Give yourself a gift this Christmas by relaxing and making memories that will last a lifetime.
This year I will be taking my own advice and creating a holiday tradition for myself; Don’t stress about making everything perfect, save all the multitasking for another day. Just focus on the moment, the good stuff – sharing laughs, spending time with loved ones, and giving back to others.
After all that is what Christmas is all about.
