Survive Christmas as a Busy Mother

Christmas is a great time of the year. Family, friends, food and presents – what more could you want? Well you probably want more time to get organised and maybe a little elf or two to help because if your household is anything like most, the female head of the house gets to do most of the planning, preparation and clean up. However Christmas doesn’t have to be too hard. Being organised and having a plan helps so start early, but also be brave and say that you are doing things your way. Start your own traditions, do what works for you and remember you deserve to enjoy yourself too.

Steps

 * 1) If responsible for hosting Christmas Day for a large group of people and anyone offers to help: TAKE IT! Have a list of jobs ready to delegate to each person or if you are having more than the immediate family over for dinner, allocate each family part of the meal to bring. Give them plenty of notice so they can plan what they are going to bring.[[Image:Survive Christmas as a Busy Mother Step 1 Version 2.jpg|center]]
 * 2) Plan your day and prepare as much in advance as possible. Buy non-perishable food, decorations etc early, so there is no last minute rush. Have a cold buffet rather than a hot lunch if this will work better for you and lessen your workload.[[Image:Survive Christmas as a Busy Mother Step 2 Version 2.jpg|center]]
 * 3) There is a vast variety of festive paper plates, cups and the like. Use them to save having to beat the sink half of Christmas day. Aluminum foil trays are also great for baking roasts.[[Image:Survive Christmas as a Busy Mother Step 3 Version 2.jpg|center]]
 * 4) When buying a present that requires assembly make sure you check all the components prior to putting it together, if leaving the assembly to Christmas Eve. That way any defects will be picked up before it is too late.[[Image:Survive Christmas as a Busy Mother Step 4 Version 2.jpg|center]]
 * 5) Choose a theme for presents e.g. all the children get puzzles or sporting equipment and all the adults get a book or music gift. This cuts down the number of shops you need to visit to get presents.
 * 6) When giving a gift that has many little pieces, such as Lego or puzzles, to give a container that they can be stored in as well.[[Image:Survive Christmas as a Busy Mother Step 6 Version 2.jpg|center]]
 * 7) Buy presents throughout the year to save the end of year rush or lay by big items. This helps spread the cost. Take advantage of the toy sales that occur in the middle of the year, but where you don’t pick up the gift until Christmas Eve.[[Image:Survive Christmas as a Busy Mother Step 7 Version 2.jpg|center]]
 * 8) Remember to buy batteries for any toy which requires batteries and also give some spares. Also have spares on hand for any toys your children may be given.[[Image:Survive Christmas as a Busy Mother Step 8 Version 2.jpg|center]]
 * 9) Wrap presents as you buy them. Remember to label them too, so that you aren’t doing it all Christmas Eve. Keep a record of what you have wrapped and bought, and where you have hidden it. Keep Christmas present receipts in a separate container so they are easy to access if you need to return something.[[Image:Survive Christmas as a Busy Mother Step 9 Version 2.jpg|center]]
 * 10) Spread the Christmas gatherings and visits out, to reduce the rush to see everyone on Christmas day. Maybe do Boxing Day with one half of the family and feast on leftovers. Or make a tradition of having a Christmas in July with certain close friends.[[Image:Survive Christmas as a Busy Mother Step 10 Version 2.jpg|center]]
 * 11) If you have a large family rather than buying everyone a present try drawing names out of hat so each person gets one big present (set a price for each present) rather than lots of smaller ones.[[Image:Survive Christmas as a Busy Mother Step 11 Version 2.jpg|center]]
 * 12) Do something for someone who won't be having a special Christmas - place a gift under a wishing tree, have an elderly neighbour over for dinner giving to others is always a good thing.[[Image:Survive Christmas as a Busy Mother Step 12 Version 2.jpg|center]]

Tips

 * Christmas should be fun for everyone. Enjoy yours!

Related wikiHows

 * Survive Christmas Eve and Morning (for Kids)

Sources and Citations

 * Busy Mothers (www.busymothers.com.au) - Original source, shared with permission.