Christmas is without a doubt one of the most exciting times of the year for children. Whether they’re visiting a local grotto, writing their Christmas list, or dressing up for a party day, they live and breathe this time of year.

Whilst it is an absolute joy to see our little ones so happy, this time of year does demand a lot from us as parents. When we’re not running our children here, there and everywhere in December, we’re buying presents, entertaining the family, and going to Christmas parties. 

It’s a pretty hectic time and things can feel a little stressful. However, we’ve got some wellbeing tips lined up to help you relax during this rather manic time.      

Try to maintain a good routine 

We know that this wellbeing tip can be a little easier said than done.

Our normal routine definitely alters a little in the run-up to Christmas. We have more festive activities to attend, we watch a few more films than normal and we always have a tin of Quality Street nearby. 

However, whilst the little breaks from normality are unavoidable, it’s a good idea to try and keep to a ‘normal’ routine as much as you can.  

This is beneficial for both you and your children. 

By maintaining a good routine around Christmas, you can help your little ones cope with all of the excitement they are experiencing in a more manageable way.  

It will also allow you to stay in control of the normal parenting duties that you need to do all year round. Minimising some of the ‘craziness’ is bound to help you feel a little calmer during the festive period. 

Plan ahead 

A good plan never hurt anyone! 

This time of year can be a very chaotic one, which is why it’s nice to feel a little more organised within the madness. 

Writing down all the things you need to get done, and the dates you need to do them by is a good place to start. 

Once you have a clear idea of how your month will look, you can start to schedule plans, and keep on top of them. 

This little wellbeing tip will help you to stay afloat amongst the fun and allow you to factor in family commitments, as well as moments for looking after yourself. 

Allow yourself to have some you time 

As a parent, the idea of any ‘you time’ might feel like a myth. 

However, it’s really important for your wellbeing that you make yourself a priority too. Quiet moments during hectic periods allow us to pause, refresh and re-energise. 

It can be easy to allow ourselves to run on empty as parents, as we’re always trying to do what’s best for others. However, in order to protect our mental health and do our best we need to give ourselves breaks now and then. 

Whether it’s an hour spent relaxing in the bath whilst your other half plays with the kids, or by practicing some mindfulness before bed. Find an activity that allows you to alleviate some stress and feel good! 

You deserve it, especially during the whirlwind that is the Christmas build-up. 

Take the pressure off

The pressure on parents over Christmas can feel unbearable at times.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves with others, but this often leads to unattainable ideas of parenthood.

If you want to eliminate some of the intensity that comes with Christmas, then we’ve got a couple of suggestions.

Why not take a break from social media from time to time?

Social media platforms can be a great place to connect with other parents, and that’s why we love to use them! However taking a few breaks now and again to allow ourselves to switch off isn’t such a bad thing. Taking a step away can actually help us re-focus and reduce the urge to compare ourselves with others.

This leads us to another wellbeing tip. Try not to panic about what you *should* be doing or buying for your children at Christmas, and instead, just do what you can.

Christmas is a magical time, regardless of the number of presents – just knowing Father Christmas has popped by is enough to put a smile on any little one’s face.

Just remember that you are enough as a parent, and your children will appreciate all that you do for them – so try to strip away some of the pressures thrown your way.

Talk with other mums and dads 

Please know that you’re not alone if you’re feeling a little frazzled over the Christmas period. 

This is a very stressful time for us all, even more so when you’re a parent. 

We’re balancing 101 things at once, and sometimes we need to just offload to someone else. This is why we think it’s a great idea to talk with other parents about how you’re feeling.  

During our Basking Babies classes, we’re always connecting with other parents and sharing our stories in a safe space. It’s important to feel like you can be open about how you feel to other mums and dads, otherwise it just festers up inside. 

When we talk to other people, we can exchange Christmas tales and pick up some great tips. But most importantly, you will recognise that you’re not alone in how you feel.  

Just knowing someone else feels the same can be a big comfort, as we know we’re not alone. 

Allow yourself to enjoy Christmas  

There you have it, some of our treasured wellbeing tips to help you over this exciting but frantic time.  

Please make sure to keep yourself a priority, as well as looking after your beautiful family. We hope you have a lovely Christmas and that you can restore a little calm over the next few weeks.