Thriving, Not Just Surviving: 6 Tips for Christmas Break

Denise Jelinek offers ideas for making Christmas break fun for everyone, without added stress for Mom.

If you are anything like me, thinking about Christmas break with my kids starts with an eager “Yay!”, anticipating fun time with them, a break from hectic mornings, and, in general, more time freedom. However, this excitement is usually followed by a wave of panic, wondering how I will fill the days and give the kids a “nice” Christmas break. (As if any child off school for 2 weeks could not have a “nice” break.)

Can you relate? If so, are you ready to erase the pressure and overwhelm of Christmas break and replace it with the peace and joy of Christmas? I compiled six hacks to create a “nice” break for everyone, mom included. Experiment with the ones that resonate with you and leave the rest. Let’s have some fun!

HACK #1: Live in Truth

You can adopt these truths to find freedom from common lies moms believe that leave them feeling overwhelmed.

• There is NO right way to do Christmas break.
• Your level of exhaustion does not indicate your success at being a mom. (i.e. It’s not a requirement to run yourself ragged to be a “good” mom.)
• You do not need to be available to your kids 100% of the time during break.
• It’s impossible for your kids to NOT have a “nice break” simply because they didn’t do enough activities. (How can you give kids two weeks off school and they not enjoy it? By simply not being at school, most kids are thrilled.)

HACK #2: Make your vision come to reality

Use these three steps to get clarity and organize your thoughts.

1. NICE? What is your brain saying is the “right” way to do Christmas break? And how do you even define a “nice” Christmas break?
2. Three words? What are 3 words that you would like to describe the kind of Christmas break you want? For example, I’d like my Christmas holiday to be peaceful, fun, and joyful.
3. Come to fruition. For the answers to questions 1 and 2 to come to fruition, what needs to happen? Sketch a few ideas and make a plan.

HACK #3: Ask the kids

Take the pressure off yourself as the Activity Director. Ask the kids what they want to do before they return to the school routine.

HACK #4: Do A Kids Swap

Offer to watch a friend’s kids for 3 or 4 hours one day and then swap on a different day. It’s a win-win for kids and moms!

HACK #5: Remember, it’s Mom’s Christmas Break too!

What is something that this time freedom allows for you? Some ideas include:

• more morning quiet time
• start reading a book
• clean out a drawer
• wash your make-up brushes
• shop online and spend the gift card you got for Christmas
• coffee with a friend (at a coffee shop or your home)
• linger with your husband in the morning and a cup of coffee

Challenge yourself to pick 2-3 things that benefit no one but you and make you a more sunshiny, happy mom to be around.

HACK #6: Create a Simple Flow Schedule

For those of us who thrive on routine and schedules, being on a Christmas break free-for-all can feel chaotic. To create structure with flexibility, sketch a simple schedule that allows enough planned and unplanned time to give yourself the feeling of more control and predictability in your day. 

Here’s a suggested Simple Flow Schedule:

Morning:

Wake up
Breakfast and clean up
Get dressed + Any Chores
Screen time (amount you feel good about)
NOTE: Use this time for you or to get something done that increases calm and peace for you
Play or outing (Planned or unplanned activity)

Afternoon

Lunch
Play
Quiet time for everyone (naps, books on bed, screens if you feel good about that), so that you have time to regroup.
NOTE: I recommend NOT using ALL of this time on chores. What would help you recharge to be able to be present for your family and yourself for the rest of the day?
Play/outing

Evening

Dinner
After dinner routine / kids' bedtime
Your Time
Before bed recharge (see hack below)

BONUS HACK: Before bed recharge

Why is a before-bed recharge time so essential to healthy “momming”? The hectic pace of going all day and flopping into bed exhausted is only sustainable short-term. Eventually, it results in self-destructive and sabotaging behaviors, such as bingeing on food, drinking alcohol, or scrolling on social media.

Momming is hard enough; to do it while tearing yourself down is utterly depleting. Instead, start slowly adding things to your life (like a before-bed recharge) that support, replenish and refresh you. You will be a stronger, more peaceful mom as a result!

Click to tweet:
Moms, it's your Christmas break too! #catholicmom

It is possible to reduce stress during Christmas break and create more connection with your family, time for yourself, and less stress for the whole family. By adjusting your mindset and expectations and planning time for yourself, you can all return to your school routines feeling restored and reinvigorated!

Copyright 2022 Denise Jelinek
Images: Canva