Before Christmas, let’s focus on the JOY, MAMA! A Mother’s Joy Ideas
The holidays are almost here! But MAMA, instead of getting caught up in the pressure to make everything perfect, focus on the JOY. The joy of spending time together. The joy of the memories shared, and the sweet photos that help you remember each one.
I want to share with you 6 ways we can try to bring some more JOY and calm into our homes:
It’s about being together, not Santa Claus, Babbo Natale, many toys or super presents – your children will not remember the gifts you buy, but the rituals you create together.
1. Baking – I love the smell of the festive season so for us it’s Gingerbread, Christmas cookies for friends, and pancakes on Christmas mornings and other desserts. Our recipe for the simplest Tiramisu you can find here.
2. Donating – find a charity to make a small donation. Over the years, we’ve put Christmas presents under the tree for families in need, we’ve served drinks at a nursing home Christmas party, and contributed a basket of homemade gifts to an elderly neighbor. It helps the children learn that it’s not only about receiving gifts.
3. Advent calendars with activities – some of our favorites are:
o taking photos all together wearing festive colors with the festive lights
o making cookies
o go ice skating
o decorating the tree
o listening to festive music
o writing cards
o crafting
4. Making – There are so many crafty things to make at this time of year. Paper snowflakes, paper chains, making cards for friends are all still popular choices. My latest favorite from the past few years is to get a chalk pen and decorate the windows around our home.
5. Collecting – We have a ritual of adding a new Christmas decoration to the tree each year. It’s becoming an eclectic collection with lots of fun memories where we found each one.
6. Giving – if you are still wanting to do gifts, I put together this gift guide here.
I like the the idea of keeping things again simple with:
* Something to eat
* something to make
* something to read
* something to play with
* something to wear – my favorite is cute festive pajamas
So, instead of getting caught up in the pressure to make everything perfect, focus on the joy. Let’s spend time together, share the memories and the joy of knowing that you are the BEST mama you can be, no matter how you celebrate.
