December Newsletter
Remember its Presence is not Present that matter
December is one of my favourite months. I am a December Baby (20th to be precise) and for me, December has always been a month of anticipation and excitement.
When I was growing up the Christmas tree went up on the 21st after my birthday but the decorations (think paper streamers and honeycomb balls in every primary colour) were always up for my birthday celebrations.
December can be overwhelming if we let it be. For those of you that don't know my Mum died suddenly and unexpectedly on Christmas Day 14 Years ago. It changed my perspective on this time of year and I have learned to protect my family's peace at all costs and that means looking after my mental health.
My top three tips are:
Delegate - DO NOT take responsibility for everything. The husbeast and I spend a night wrapping together. We get a takeaway, lock ourselves away, and do it together. He also shops for his Mum and Dad. Now my boys are older they have their responsibilities.
Lower your Expectations - Expect the worst and you will always be delighted with anything better! After my mum died and all I wanted to do was curl up in a little ball for a few years, my husband stepped up and took on most of the festive load and man oh man, we didn’t know what we were missing as that man cooks a mean Christmas dinner.
Be Flexible - Traditions are not set in stone, they move and change as you and those around you do. My boys are not fans of decorating anymore, but we have a new tradition of Christmas cocktails (mocktails for me) and beige party nibbles along with the decorating. They do a little at the end and we have a tree-topping ceremony.
My boys couldn’t tell you what they got for Christmas 6 years ago, but they do remember sprinkling reindeer food on Christmas Eve and still insist on new PJ’s every Christmas Eve (you have to look good for those Christmas morning photos).
Anyway, that is enough of my reminiscences of Christmas Past and onto Christmas present.
Jen aka Mum in the Mad House
PS - Don't panic if you have got the advent calendars sorted we have loads of free printables and other stuff and you can find our advent newsletter filled with them here
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