Working Moms...are you ready? It's almost December, so we are about to be bombarded with dozens of different countdown calendars to help make this "the best holiday season EVER" (or some other tag line) to ensure that we are all maximizing every possible second of holiday madness. Of course as working moms there is almost no chance of being able to get to work, get the kids to school, activities, and all the work, school, sport extra activities that get scheduled through December AND do 24 fun and exciting extra things.
So instead, lets just take a step back and focus on making sure that we are able to balance holiday mayhem with holiday fun. To assist here is my annual Working Mom Countdown to the Christmas. The intent this year is to yes, do some cool holiday memory making things with the family, but also make sure that we are taking the time to slow down, relax, recharge and take care of ourselves so we can truly enjoy the holidays (and those few precious days away from work!).
Like last year, this countdown doesn't have 24 things on it, just 12. Do what you want, when you want to.
Take Part in a Community Light-Up: I don't know about your area but my little part of British Columbia has dozens to choose from! Our annual favourite is the Kelowna Downtown Light Up but we might venture out to one of the surrounding towns as well this year.
Head out on a Christmas Light Walk: Life getting crazy? Got 20 minutes? Bundle up and walk around your neighbourhood to check out the light show your neighbours have prepared for you. The fresh air and family time will help shake out the crazy!
Go on an outdoor adventure: I'm not talking a major excursion here, just grab some skates and head to local outdoor rink, or put on your hiking boots and take a hike. Got a ski hill near by - go skiing, or challenge yourself to something new: snowshoeing or cross country skiing!
Book a holiday manicure: I know, this one is surprising from me. But The Kid and I got back to school manicures this year and it was a) fun and b)pretty relaxing.
Me Time: Seriously, find two hours and a babysitter (if you need one) and just take the time to yourself. Get a massage, or attend a yoga class, or just grab a book and a comfy chair at your local coffee shop and don't do anything for anyone else. Just take the time for you.
Attend a Christmas Concert or Show: This is a no brainer - you're already going to be doing this anyway. Its a quick win to cross off the to-do list. But hey, if you want to be an overachiever, check out your local community theatre for an event (that your kid isn't in already).
Mail a card or letter: Spread a bit of joy - I personally love getting mail so lets start a trend back up (even though we have that postal strike happening) grab a stamp or two and send some holiday cheer through the mail this year.
Order Take Out (and repeat as needed): No explanation needed.
Watch a Holiday Movie with the Family. You choose what Holiday Movie means to you. For me it might mean watching Avenger Infinity War on Netflix (starting December 25th). If Avengers isn't holiday movie material for you, no worries, there are a million holiday shows to choose from. Pop some popcorn, pour a glass of wine, shut off your phone and settle down for some mindless holiday entertainment.
Bake some treats! I love baking and this year I think I'll spread bit holiday joy (and possibly help me eat less cookies) by taking some baking to work to share with my lunch time crew. Don't like the people you work with, don't share the cookies. Its simple. Again - just do what makes you happy!
Donate to your local food bank or toy drive. If you can donate to both, and more than once. Get the family involved and maybe even keep it going through the year. It's easy to buy an extra box of cereal or jar of peanut butter to drop off in the food bank bin as you walk by - and you know what> It feels great!
Finally: Got vacation days or paid time off you haven't used yet? USE IT. Send your kids to school and take a mental health day. Many employers don't roll over the vacation days to the following year. Make sure you use your time!
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